Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has once again pledged justice for the families of the wedding guests brutally killed last month by a mob in Mangun District of Mangu Local Government Area.
The victims, who were traveling from Zaria, Kaduna State, en route to a wedding in Quan Pa’an LGA, mistakenly strayed into Mangun. There, they were tragically misidentified as terrorists and attacked by a mob. The violent incident claimed the lives of about 22 individuals, with 11 others sustaining injuries.
Speaking with the BBC Hausa Service on Saturday, Governor Mutfwang assured the victims’ families that his administration is committed to ensuring justice and accountability for the attack.
“Conflicts related to the deep-rooted hatred between followers of different religions and ethnic groups, which sometimes involve innocent travelers, cannot be ended in a short period of time,” he said, acknowledging the complexities surrounding communal tensions in the region.
The governor revealed that his government is collaborating with Kaduna State authorities to adopt measures that would bring both justice and healing to the affected families.
Some steps already taken include dispatching a special delegation led by the Emir of Wase to console the Emir of Zaria, whose subjects were among the victims.
“The current situation is that around 22 people are being held over the attack and we have confirmed that those who were injured have returned home safely.
And we are currently in contact with the leaders of Zaria to advise us on how to help the bereaved families and those who are sick,” Mutfwang added.
The governor’s assurance comes amid widespread calls for justice and reconciliation in the wake of rising intercommunal violence in Plateau State and other parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
