The gruesome killing of 13 travelers from Zaria, Kaduna State, by a mob in Plateau State sent shockwaves across Nigeria, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for justice. The victims, including women and children, were on their way to a wedding in Qua’an Pan when they became lost and sought directions, only to be met with brutal violence. Nine of the deceased were laid to rest in Mangu on Saturday, while the remaining four were buried in Qua’an Pan on Sunday, their funerals marked by grief and appeals for calm amidst heightened security. The incident underscores the fragility of peace and security in the region and highlights the urgent need for decisive action to prevent further acts of violence.
President Bola Tinubu expressed outrage at the killings, labeling them “heinous, unacceptable, and barbaric.” He directed security agencies to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice and emphasized the non-negotiable right of all citizens to freedom of movement. Tinubu’s condemnation echoed the sentiments of many Nigerians, including the Northern Governors’ Forum, whose Chairman, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State, described the attack as a “barbaric and cowardly act.” Yahaya commended the swift arrest of suspects by Plateau State authorities and called for thorough investigations and prosecutions to ensure accountability and restore faith in the rule of law. The incident prompted calls for enhanced security measures and a renewed commitment to community engagement to address the underlying factors contributing to violence in the region.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, deeply affected by the tragedy, described the killings as “barbaric and senseless.” He urged his counterpart in Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, to take decisive action to ensure justice is served. Sani assured the victims’ families of support from the Kaduna State Government, including medical care for the 11 survivors receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Mangu. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the devastating impact of inter-communal violence and the need for concerted efforts by government and community leaders to foster peaceful coexistence and address the root causes of conflict.
Governor Mutfwang, expressing shock and sorrow, condemned the mob action as “unacceptable and avoidable.” He lamented the tragic irony of local youths, who have historically played a role in defending their communities against criminal elements, becoming perpetrators of such violence. Mutfwang vowed that the government would not condone such acts and pledged to bring those responsible to justice. He underscored the importance of allowing free passage across the state, emphasized Plateau State’s welcoming nature to visitors, and outlined steps taken to provide support to the victims’ families and the Kaduna State Government.
The governor’s visit to the scene of the incident and to the injured survivors, coupled with his direct communication with Governor Sani and the Emir of Zazzau, highlights his commitment to addressing the situation and promoting reconciliation. His directives for optimal medical care and assurance of covering medical expenses for the injured demonstrate a commitment to alleviating the immediate suffering caused by the tragedy. The constitution of a delegation to visit the bereaved families and the Kaduna State government further underscores the effort to address the aftermath of the violence.
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the arrest of 22 suspects linked to the attack, signaling the beginning of the judicial process. However, the incident has triggered broader discussions about security and self-defense, particularly in remote communities. The Coalition of Northern Groups urged residents to embrace self-defense mechanisms, including the establishment of local vigilantes, in the face of escalating violence across the region. The group’s national coordinator, Janilu Charanchi, attributed the worsening security situation to leadership failure and urged communities to unite in protecting themselves.
Charanchi’s remarks highlight the growing frustration with the seeming inability of authorities to effectively curb the rising tide of violence. His call for accountability among security heads resonates with the widespread demand for more decisive action from those tasked with protecting citizens. The incident in Plateau State and the subsequent calls for self-defense underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to security in the region, one that addresses both the immediate need for protection and the underlying drivers of conflict. This includes strengthening law enforcement capacity, promoting inter-communal dialogue, and addressing the socio-economic factors that contribute to instability and violence.
