Thirteen victims of the mob attack that occurred on Friday night in Mangun District, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, have been buried in Mangu and Qua’an Pan LGAs. Nine were interred at Hayi Muslim Cemetery in Mangu on Saturday, while four more, whose bodies were later recovered, were buried in Qua’an Pan on Sunday.
Confirming the development, Chief Imam of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah in Mangu, Sheikh Suleiman Haruna, who led the funeral prayers, said the deceased were part of a 31-member group from Basawa, Zaria, Kaduna State. They were travelling in an Ahmadu Bello University bus to Qua’an Pan for a wedding when they lost their way and were attacked by hoodlums.
The burial, held under tight security, was agreed upon by the victims' families to avoid further tensions in their home communities. Sheikh Haruna urged residents to accept the tragedy as the will of Allah and refrain from retaliation. He commended the swift response of security agencies and community leaders.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who visited both the hospitalised survivors and the scene of the attack, condemned the violence as “totally condemnable and avoidable.” He acknowledged that parts of Mangu and neighbouring districts had been suffering from continuous terrorist assaults, but stressed that such atrocities against innocent commuters were unjustifiable.
“It is deeply disheartening that courageous youths who previously defended their communities could now take the law into their hands,” Mutfwang stated. “We are building a Plateau that welcomes all. This incident is a rude shock.”
The governor said he had contacted Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the Emir of Zazzau to express condolences. He announced a delegation would be sent to commiserate with Kaduna State and the Zazzau Emirate. He also directed hospitals treating the injured to provide full care at the expense of the state government.
Mutfwang charged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the attack, ensure justice, and prevent future occurrences. He reaffirmed Plateau’s commitment to peace and hospitality.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State also condemned the killings as “barbaric and senseless,” urging justice and calling on the Plateau government to take decisive action. He assured Kaduna residents that the state is supporting victims’ families and ensuring adequate care for the 11 survivors receiving treatment at Mangu General Hospital.
ADEOLA KUNLE
