374
By Oscar Okhifo
The Zazzau Emirate has disclosed that it is yet to receive any formal delegation or official message from the Plateau State Government following the gruesome killing of several wedding-bound travellers recently in Mangu Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred on June 20, 2025, involved a bus conveying 31 passengers from Zaria, Kaduna State, to a wedding in Quan-Pan, Plateau State. According to eyewitnesses, the vehicle mistakenly entered the volatile Mangun District of Mangu LGA where it was ambushed by armed youths. The passengers were reportedly dragged out of the bus, attacked with machetes and other weapons, and the vehicle set ablaze with some victims trapped inside.
At least eight people were confirmed dead, while several others sustained critical injuries.
The Plateau State Police Command has since arrested 22 suspects in connection with the killings.
Although Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang publicly condemned the attack and assured that the state would foot the medical bills of the injured, he also claimed to have briefed the Emir of Zazzau and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State about the tragedy, further announcing that a government delegation would be sent to Kaduna.
However, in a new twist, the Zazzau Emirate disclosed that no such delegation had arrived or communicated formally with the palace.
Speaking on behalf of the Emirate, a senior palace official who pleaded anonymity stated, “As at today, we have not received any official delegation from Plateau State on this matter. We have seen reports in the media about a planned visit, but no one has come to formally deliver any message or condolence on behalf of the state Government.”
The palace further stressed the importance of proper communication and formal engagement during sensitive inter-state crises involving loss of lives.
“We are deeply pained by the loss of our people. It is only proper that the appropriate steps are taken to show genuine remorse and commitment to justice. We await a proper visit from Plateau officials,” the source added.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani had earlier condemned the attack in strong terms and demanded the arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) also described the incident as a “premeditated atrocity” and called for urgent federal intervention.
The Nigerian Senate has since urged federal security agencies to investigate the killings in Plateau and similar violence in parts of Benue State, and ensure that justice is served without delay.
As demands for accountability and justice mount, the continued absence of formal engagement between Plateau State authorities and the Zazzau Emirate raises concerns about the sincerity of reconciliation efforts and the path toward lasting peace. By all means, the party suing for peace should appreciate the urgency of now.