Police Arrest 22 Over Killing of 12 Wedding Guests in Plateau

The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 22 suspects linked to the gruesome murder of 12 wedding guests in Mangu Local Government Area.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred.

Earlier reports indicated that the victims were en route from Zaria, Kaduna State, to attend a wedding in Qua’an Pan LGA when their bus came under attack by an irate mob after they mistakenly veered off course.

According to the police, the tragic incident occurred on June 20, 2025, at about 9:47 p.m., when the attackers set the bus on fire, killing several passengers and injuring seven others.

The statement also noted that 14 people were rescued without harm, while 21 others were rushed to the hospital for treatment.

“On June 20, 2025, at approximately 9:47 p.m., the Plateau State Police Command received credible intelligence that a bus conveying passengers from Zaria, Kaduna State, was attacked by an angry mob in Mangun Village, Mangu Local Government Area,” the statement read.

“Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police promptly directed the Divisional Police Officer in Mangu Division to deploy officers to the scene. Upon arrival, our personnel, in collaboration with other security agencies, quickly dispersed the mob and rescued 21 victims, who were immediately taken to the hospital for medical care.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were travelers headed to Qua’an Pan LGA for a wedding when they lost their way. Their vehicle was forcefully stopped and set ablaze by the mob. Sadly, several passengers died in the incident, while seven others sustained varying degrees of injuries. Despite the chaos, our officers and partner agencies were able to courageously rescue 14 individuals unharmed.”

The statement further revealed that Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina has visited the scene and ordered intensified investigations, deploying various specialized units to track down more suspects.

“At about 7:00 a.m. today (Saturday), the Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, psc, accompanied by heads of other security agencies and members of the Command’s management team, visited the crime scene to assess the situation and implement measures to prevent further violence. As a result of swift action, 22 suspects have already been arrested in connection with the attack.

“The CP has deployed officers from the State Intelligence Department (SID) to enhance intelligence gathering in Mangu. Additionally, detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Tactical Teams have been dispatched to intensify investigations and ensure the arrest of all those involved.”

The police reassured the public of their commitment to ensuring justice and urged citizens not to resort to vigilante actions.

“The Commissioner of Police wants to reassure the peace-loving people of Plateau State that the Command is working tirelessly, within its constitutional mandate, to bring all perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.

“He strongly advises residents, especially the youth, to refrain from taking the law into their hands. Instead, they should report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or any security agency. In case of emergencies, the public is encouraged to contact the Plateau State Command via the following emergency numbers: 07059473022, 08038907662, 08075391844, and 0905387 2296,” the statement concluded.

Punch

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