Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has strongly condemned the gruesome attack and killing of travellers by hoodlums in the Mangun community of Mangu Local Government Area of the state on Friday.
According to police reports, the victims were reportedly on their way from Zaria in Kaduna State for a wedding ceremony in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau but lost their way and inadvertently ran into a tense and volatile situation in Mangun, a community that has grappling with sustained terrorist attacks.
The hoodlums who mistook the travellers for terrorists, reportedly descended on them and in the mob attack, 12 of them, including women and children were brutally murdered while several others sustained severe injuries and their vehicle burnt to ashes.
Gov. Mutfwang who expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic mob action when he visited the community on Saturday, however, called for calm with a vow that perpetrators of the dastardly act will never go unpunished.
Mutfwang who visited the scene of the tragic incident and the survivors in hospitals, expressed grief and described the mob action as totally condemnable and avoidable.
“Today is a tragic day for us in Plateau State. I never imagined such a senseless act of violence could occur within our borders, especially considering the commendable efforts of our youths in this community and neighbouring districts who have consistently risen to support security agencies in defending against criminal incursions,” Mutfwang said at the scene of the disaster.
He emphasized that the prolonged attacks on Plateau communities do not justify such a senseless act against innocent commuters.
“It is deeply disheartening that the same youths who have shown courage and patriotism would turn around and take the law into their own hands.
“This is utterly unacceptable, and the government will not sweep it under the carpet. We are working to build a Plateau that is welcoming to all and hospitable to visitors. We have been educating our young people about the importance of allowing free passage on all roads across the state, and this incident has come to us as a rude shock.”
Continuing, Gov. Mutfwang stated:
“I want to reassure Nigerians that Plateau remains a safe place for all travelers. I have spoken with my colleague, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, to brief him on this unfortunate incident.
“I have also reached out to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, to express my heartfelt condolences over this tragic loss of lives. In the spirit of solidarity, we will be sending a high-level delegation to commiserate with the Government and people of Kaduna State as well as the Zazzau Emirate.”
The Governor also extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the government and people of Kaduna State, stressing that such acts of violence have no place in a civilized society.
While also acknowledging the pain and frustration of communities under siege, Mutfwang strongly warned against resorting to jungle justice or mob action regardless of provocation.
He directed the General Hospital in Mangu and all other medical facilities attending to the victims to provide optimal care, assuring that the Plateau State government will bear the full cost of treatment.
