The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Plateau State, has strongly condemned the tragic and senseless killing of twelve individuals in Mangun village, Mangu Local Government Area, on Friday, 20th June, 2025.
The victims were traveling from Zaria in Kaduna State for a wedding ceremony in Quan Pa’an Local Government Area when they missed their way and found themselves in Mangun where the mob mistook them for terrorists and attacked them.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Director of the Plateau State Directorate of the NOA, Mrs. Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, the agency called for an urgent end to violate in the state as well as pleading with security agencies to ensure that all those involved in this heinous act are identified and prosecuted according to the law.
The statement reads thus:
“According to verified reports, a bus belonging to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, carrying passengers from Basawa in Kaduna State and headed for Kwa in Quan Pan Local Government Area, lost its way and mistakenly entered the Ampang-West–Mangun axis.
“On reaching a vigilante checkpoint, the bus reportedly failed to stop, which led to panic and a violent mob response. The result was the brutal killing and burning of twelve innocent travelers, including the destruction of the ABU bus.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the circumstances under which they were taken. Eight of the victims were buried earlier with the consent of their families and Zaria LGA authorities.
However, in response to growing tension, the remains will be exhumed and reburied in Quan Pan today, 22nd June, 2025, following family and local government requests.
“This act of mob violence is not only unlawful but also inhumane. Nothing justifies taking the law into one’s hands, regardless of the current security challenges or fear of attacks in nearby communities.
“Acts like these deepen mistrust, escalate violence, and erode the values of tolerance, justice, and human dignity.
“The NOA calls on security agencies to ensure that all those involved in this heinous act are identified and prosecuted according to the law.
“We also urge community leaders, youth groups, and vigilante members to remain calm, exercise restraint, and always report suspicious movements to the appropriate authorities rather than resort to violence.
“We sympathize with the families of the victims and the affected communities. The Agency remains committed to working with local leaders, security agencies, and the public to promote peace, understanding, and lawful conduct, especially in these difficult times.
“Let us all remember: justice cannot come through vengeance, and peace cannot be achieved through violence,” Mrs. Pam-Hworo said.
