From Our Correspondent
Plateau State Police Command has arrested 22 suspects in connection with the brutal killing of 12 wedding guests in Mangu Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
AljazirahNigeria recalls that the wedding guests were said to be travelling from Zaria, Kaduna State, to attend a wedding ceremony in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, when their bus was attacked by an angry mob after they lost their way.
It was reported that the guests, who were traveling on an 18-seater bus, missed their way and decided to inquire from some youths sitting by the roadside.
However, the mob rather surrounded the vehicle, shouting “kill them,” then pounced on the travellers and set their vehicle ablaze, which resulted in the death of some of the passengers, while seven others sustained injuries.
According to the police, the incident occurred on June 20 at about 9:47pm.
The statement also revealed that 14 people were rescued unhurt, while 21 persons were evacuated to the hospital for treatment.
“On June 20 at about 09:47pm, the Plateau State Police Command received credible intelligence revealing that a bus carrying some passengers from Zaria, Kaduna State was attacked by some angry mob in Mangun Village, Mangu Local Government Area.
“Upon receipt of this intelligence, the commissioner of police immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer, Mangu Division, to mobilise men and swiftly race to the scene. On reaching the scene, our men, in collaboration with other security agencies, quickly dispersed the angry mob, rescued 21 victims and rushed them to the hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
“Upon conducting our preliminary investigation, it was revealed that the victims were travelers from Zaria, Kaduna State, who were on transit to Quan’pan Local Government Area to attend a wedding ceremony when they lost their way. Their vehicle was illegally stopped by the angry mob and set ablaze. As a result of this unfortunate incident, some of the passengers lost their lives, while seven persons sustained varying degrees of injuries. In a display of courage, our men, in collaboration with other security agencies, were able to rescue 14 persons unhurt.”
The statement added that the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, had since visited the scene and deployed personnel from the State Intelligence Department, SID, and Tactical Teams to intensify investigation and apprehend more suspects.
“Meanwhile, at about 7am today (Saturday), the commissioner of police, in company of heads of other security agencies and members of his management team, visited the scene to assess the situation and put measures in place to forestall further breakdown of law and order. Consequently, 22 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
“The CP has deployed men from the State Intelligence Department to Mangu for effective intelligence gathering. He has also deployed men from the State CID and directed them to launch an intensive investigation into the matter. “Additionally, the police helmsman has deployed tactical teams and other operational assets to the area to support our investigation and ensure the arrest of more suspects.”
The police assured the public that all efforts are being made to ensure that justice is served and warned against taking the law into one’s own hands.
