Tinubu, Northern Governors Mourn Zaria Travellers Killed in Plateau Mob Attack
President Bola Tinubu and members of the Northern Governors’ Forum have expressed deep sorrow over the brutal killing of 13 travellers from Zaria, Kaduna State, who were attacked by a mob in Plateau State.
The victims, including women and children, were among 31 members of the Basawa community in Zaria. They were traveling in an 18-seater Ahmadu Bello University bus to attend a wedding in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau when they reportedly lost their way and were attacked while asking for directions.
The bodies of the deceased were laid to rest over the weekend in Mangu and Qua’an Pan LGAs. Nine of them were buried on Saturday at the Hayi Muslim Cemetery in Mangu, while the remaining four were interred in Qua’an Pan on Sunday after their bodies were recovered.
Sheikh Suleiman Haruna, Chief Imam of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah in Mangu, who led the funeral prayers, confirmed the burial arrangements. “Eight persons and another who later died were buried in Mangu on Saturday. Four others, who were recovered later, were taken to Qua’an Pan and buried today (Sunday),” he said.
In response to the tragedy, security was intensified around the burial locations, with religious leaders calling for calm and restraint. Sheikh Haruna urged the community to see the incident as a test of faith and warned against retaliatory violence.
President Tinubu, in a statement through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, strongly condemned the attack, calling it “heinous, unacceptable, and barbaric.” He directed security agencies to investigate thoroughly and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
“The right of all citizens to move freely across the country is non-negotiable. No individual or group will be allowed to infringe on that right through violence or intimidation,” Tinubu stated, while extending condolences to the bereaved families and the government of Kaduna State.
Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Muhammadu Yahaya, also condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly and senseless act with no place in a civilised society.” In a statement by his Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Misilli, Yahaya emphasized the need for swift justice.
“I am deeply saddened by this horrific and inhumane attack. Such mindless violence against innocent people is unacceptable. The perpetrators must face justice, not only for accountability but to restore public trust in the rule of law,” Yahaya said.
He commended the Plateau State Government and security forces for quickly arresting suspects and urged them to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, in a separate statement, also described the killings as “barbaric and senseless,” and called for urgent action by security agencies to apprehend and prosecute those responsible.
Leaders across the region have called for peace, urging residents of Plateau, Kaduna, and neighbouring states to remain calm and avoid any form of reprisal.
