The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 22 suspects in connection with the brutal killing of 12 wedding guests in Mangu Local Government Area.
The Command’s spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, following a deadly ambush that occurred on the night of June 20, 2025.
According to police accounts, the victims were travelling from Zaria in Kaduna State to Qua’an Pan LGA in Plateau State to attend a wedding ceremony. However, they lost their way and inadvertently entered Mangun village in Mangu LGA, where they were attacked by a mob.
“On June 20th, 2025 at about 09:47 p.m., the Plateau State Police Command received credible intelligence revealing that a bus carrying some passengers from Zaria, Kaduna State was attacked by some angry mob in Mangun Village, Mangu Local Government Area,” the statement read.
The mob reportedly halted the 18-seater bus, set it ablaze, and killed several of the passengers on board. The police said the tragedy claimed 12 lives, while seven others sustained injuries.
“Upon conducting our preliminary investigation, it was revealed that the victims were travelers from Zaria, Kaduna State, who were in transit to Quan’pan LGA to attend a wedding ceremony when they lost their way. Their vehicle was illegally stopped by the angry mob and set ablaze. As a result of this unfortunate incident, some of the passengers lost their lives, while seven persons sustained varying degrees of injuries. In a display of courage, our men, in collaboration with other security agencies, were able to rescue fourteen (14) persons unhurt,” the police said.
The swift response, according to the statement, came after Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, ordered the Divisional Police Officer in Mangu to deploy officers to the scene immediately.
“Upon receipt of this intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer, Mangu Division, to mobilize men and swiftly race to the scene. On reaching the scene, our men, in collaboration with other security agencies, quickly dispersed the angry mob and rescued twenty-one (21) victims and rushed them to the hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment,” the statement said.
On Saturday morning, the Commissioner visited the crime scene alongside senior police officials and heads of other security agencies. He ordered additional deployments to prevent any further breakdown of law and order in the area.
“Meanwhile, at about 07:00 a.m. today (Saturday), the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, psc, in company of heads of other security agencies and members of his management team, visited the scene to assess the situation and put measures in place to forestall further breakdown of law and order. Consequently, twenty-two (22) suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident,” Alfred stated.
He added that officers from the State Intelligence Department, State CID, and Tactical Teams had been deployed to support the investigation and apprehend more suspects.
“The CP has deployed men from the State Intelligence Department (SID) to Mangu for effective intelligence gathering. He has also deployed men from the State CID and directed them to launch an intensive investigation into the matter. Additionally, the Police helmsman has deployed Tactical Teams and other Operational Assets to the LGA to support our investigation and ensure the arrest of more suspects.”
The Command reassured the public of its commitment to ensuring justice and warned residents against reprisals, urging them to report any suspicious activity.
