Amnesty International has called on the federal government to investigate the killing of 12 travellers by a mob in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Chronicle NG reports that on Friday evening, an 18-seater bus carrying 31 people to a wedding was assaulted, killing 12 people and injuring 11 others.
The human rights organisation highlighted the need for the government to ensure that those guilty for the attack are quickly brought to justice.
According to sources, the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria bus was conveying people from Basawa in Zaria LGA, Kaduna State, when it was ambushed around 8 p.m. on Friday. According to survivors, 12 individuals were killed instantaneously, while 11 others suffered injuries that required immediate medical attention.
The call for accountability comes amid increased fears about intercommunal violence in the region.
Amnesty International reported a similar sad episode in August 2021 on Rukuba Road in Jos North, in which 22 people returning from an Islamic New Year commemoration in Bauchi were killed.
In a statement on its verified X platform on Saturday, Amnesty International underscored its position, “The horrific killing of 12 travellers in Plateau State demands an immediate, impartial, and effective investigation. Nigerian authorities must ensure justice for victims and prevent such heinous acts from recurring. Impunity only fuels further violence. #PlateauKillings #JusticeForTravelers.”
The group asked Nigerian authorities to go beyond criticism and implement meaningful measures to avoid such instances from happening again.
Targeting commuters passing through communities is considered a serious crime that cannot be justified and shows a flagrant disdain for the right to life and due process of law.
Amnesty International underlined the importance of providing sufficient medical care to those injured in the incident.
