Plateau wedding guests murder: Police nab 22 suspects as Kaduna Gov spits fire
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Plateau State Police Command says it has arrested 22 suspects in connection with the killing of 12 wedding guests in Mangu Local Government Area.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday. The disclosure from the police comes as Kaduna state governor, Uba Sani described the incident as a barbaric act of savagery and called for swift action from security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators.
“We received with shock and deep sorrow the news of the killing of 12 innocent Kaduna State citizens in Mangu. This is unacceptable. The criminals responsible for this heinous act must be hunted down and dealt with decisively. No stone must be left unturned in bringing these criminal elements to justice,” the governor stated.
Sani further urged the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to take decisive steps in addressing the insecurity in the state.
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The victims were travelling from Zaria, Kaduna State, to attend a wedding ceremony in Qua’an Pan LGA when their bus was attacked by an angry mob after they lost their way.
According to the police, the incident occurred on Friday, June 20, 2025, at about 9:47 p.m., when the attackers set the bus ablaze, resulting in the deaths of some passengers, while seven others sustained injuries.
The statement also revealed that 14 people were rescued unhurt, while 21 persons were evacuated to the hospital for treatment.
The release stated: “On June 20th, 2025 at about 09:47 p.m., 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,” the police statement said.
“Upon receipt of this intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer, Mangu Division, to mobilize men and swiftly race to the scene. On reaching the scene, our men, in collaboration with other security agencies, quickly dispersed the angry mob and rescued twenty-one (21) victims and rushed them to the hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.”
According to police accounts, seven people sustained injuries, while 14 others were rescued unhurt. Initial investigations revealed the bus had been unlawfully halted and attacked by locals after the travellers mistakenly strayed into Mangun village.
“Upon conducting our preliminary investigation, it was revealed that the victims were travelers from Zaria, Kaduna State, who were in transit to Quan’pan LGA 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 fourteen (14) persons unhurt,” the statement added.
Alabo further said the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, visited the scene on Saturday morning alongside heads of other security agencies and senior police officials.
He said Adesina immediately ordered the deployment of personnel from the State Intelligence Department, State CID, and Tactical Teams to intensify investigations and prevent further unrest.
“Meanwhile, at about 07:00 a.m. today (Saturday), the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, psc, 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, twenty-two (22) suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
