The Northern Senators Forum has strongly condemned the killing of innocent travellers in Plateau State, describing the incident as a “barbaric and cowardly act” that threatens the unity of Nigeria.
The attack took place last Friday in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where unidentified gunmen ambushed an 18-seater bus conveying passengers from Basawa community in Zaria, Kaduna State, to Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau. The region has recently experienced recurring violence.
Chairman of the forum, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, extended condolences to the victims’ families and the Kaduna State Government.
“On behalf of the Forum, I extend our deepest condolences to the government and people of Kaduna State, particularly the bereaved families affected by this heinous attack,” Yar’Adua said.
He further condemned the incident as a violation of citizens’ constitutional rights.
“This kind of mindless violence is unacceptable in any civilised society. It undermines our collective values and threatens the fabric of our national unity,” he added.
Yar’Adua stressed that the killings were a direct assault on the rights of Nigerians to live and move freely, as guaranteed by Section 41 of the Constitution.
The senators called on the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen its intelligence-gathering efforts to prevent future attacks and urged that the perpetrators be swiftly brought to justice. They also appealed to the Federal Government to equip security agencies with modern communication tools to improve their crime-prevention capabilities.
To prevent further unrest, the forum urged affected communities to remain calm and avoid reprisal attacks.
“We also urge the Plateau State Government to intensify efforts at fostering peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic and religious communities in the state,” the statement read.
