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By Oscar Okhifo
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has condemned the brutal killing of 12 wedding travellers in the state and assured the public that the perpetrators will not go unpunished.
Governor Mutfwang made this declaration on Sunday while reacting to the gruesome attack that occurred in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to reports, the victims, who were from Basawa community in Zazau Emirate (Kaduna state) were attacked in cold blood while on their way back from a wedding celebration.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen, suspected to be bandits, laid siege along the road, opened fire on the unsuspecting travellers, killing many on the spot and injuring several others.
The exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, but sources indicate that at least 12 people were killed, while several others sustained various degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
Governor Mutfwang, in a statement , condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as “inhuman, barbaric, and a deliberate attempt to destabilize the state.”
He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and promised that the state Government will collaborate with security agencies to ensure the culprits are apprehended and prosecuted.
“This is an attack on innocent citizens who were simply returning from a joyous occasion. We will not fold our hands and watch criminal elements continue to spill innocent blood in Plateau State. Those behind this heinous act will not go unpunished,” Mutfwang stated.
The Governor also called for calm and urged residents not to take laws Into their hands. He emphasized that security operatives were already investigating the matter and manhunt for the attackers had commenced.
Security forces have since been deployed to the area to forestall further violence, while community leaders have also appealed for restraint to avoid an escalation of the crisis.
This latest attack adds to the growing list of violent incidents in Plateau State, which has been grappling with recurrent cases of armed attacks, inter-communal clashes, and insecurity in recent years with so many deaths in the trail.
Kaduna state Governor, Uba Sani has also condemned the killings and assured the families that he would ensure they get justice.