Plateau State Police command has arraigned 22 suspects in connection with the killing of 13 wedding guests travelling from Kaduna State to Plateau state.
The wedding guests were said to be travelling in a bus belonging to the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, en route Mangu to Qua’an Pan local government area of Plateau state when they were attacked at Mangun after missing their way.
However,there was a drama in court yesterday as the suspects were brought before Justice Boniface Ngyon of the Plateau state High Court.
After presenting the suspect before the trial justice and before the charges could be read, the Defence Counsel, Garba Pwol, SAN, raised an objection that the charges shouldn’t be read as there are minors amongst them.
The Prosecuting Counsel, I. S. Ikutanwa, agreed with the defence counsel and asked that the case should be adjourned till Friday.
The trial judge ,thereby, adjourned the case and asked the prosecutors to amend the charges accordingly.
However, addressing newsmen in his office yesterday, Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, accused the suspects of criminal conspiracy, causing grievous hurt, mischief by fire, armed robbery and culpable homicide.
He said that the suspects were arrested based on the information gathered from the scene, which led to their being picked up in various places.
Giving account of what happened, the commissioner said, “On June 22, 2025, we received a report at Mangu Division, reporting that a bus carrying passengers from Kaduna state was being attacked by an angry mob at Mangun market square, Mangu LG.
“Upon receipt of this report, I directed the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Mangu Division to mobilize and lead a team of policemen to the scene of crime. On reaching the scene, our men in collaboration with other security agencies successfully dispersed the mob and rescued 21 victims, who were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.
“While conducting a preliminary investigation, we discovered that the victims were travelers from Zaria, Kaduna state ,who were on their way to attend a wedding ceremony at Kwa village of Qua’an Pan LG in a 32-seater bus, with the inscription; “Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria”, when they lost their way and were unfortunately attacked by an angry mob at Mangun village, Mangu LG of Plateau state.
“In light of the foregoing, I ordered the immediate deployment of men from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and State Intelligence Department (SID) to Mangu LGA for the purpose of investigation and intelligence gathering. I also deployed Tactical teams and other operational assets to the LG to aid our investigation and ensure that the perpetrators of this evil act are arrested and brought to justice.
“On June 21, 2025 ,at about 7:00 am, I personally visited the scene of crime in company with my Management Team and heads of other security agencies to assess the situation and put necessary measures in place to forestall any further breakdown of law and order. Today, I am pleased to announce to you that due to the diligent and swift operation of our men, we have arrested Twenty – Two (22) suspects, while Six (6) suspects are still at large.”
He pledged to ensure that justice was done while pleading with residents not to take laws into their hands.
The commissioner enjoined residents to show compassion, adding that this would not have happened if the residents had simply showed the travellers way out.
