The Plateau State Police Command has stated that the trial of 22 individuals arrested in connection with the murder of 13 wedding guests in the state’s Mangun town, Mangu Local Government Area, has begun.
The sad episode occurred on June 20, 2025, when a mob stormed a bus carrying passengers from Kaduna State, killing and injuring many people.
Addressing journalists at the command’s headquarters in Jos, the state capital, on Thursday, Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Adesina stated that the command responded quickly to the incident by dispatching officers and operational assets to the location, resulting in the arrest of the culprits.
He verified that the investigations had been completed, and the suspects would now stand trial.
The commissioner said, “On June 20, 2025, we received a report at Mangu Division that a bus carrying passengers from Kaduna State was being attacked by an angry mob at Mangun market square, Mangu LGA.
“Upon receipt of the report, I directed the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Mangu Division to mobilise and lead a team of policemen to the crime scene.
“On reaching the location, 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.
“During preliminary investigations, we discovered that the victims were travellers from Zaria, Kaduna State, heading to a wedding ceremony at Kwa village in Qua’anpan Local Government Area.
“They were travelling in a 32-seater bus marked ‘Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria’ when they lost their way and were unfortunately attacked by an angry mob in Mangun.”
Adesina elucidated that he had ordered the immediate deployment of operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department and State Intelligence Department to Mangu for further investigation and intelligence gathering.
“In addition, I deployed tactical teams and other operational units to aid in the arrest of those involved in this heinous crime.
“On June 21, 2025, at about 7 a.m., I personally visited the crime scene along with my management team and heads of other security agencies to assess the situation and implement measures to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” he added.
“Today, I am pleased to announce that due to the diligent and swift operations of our men, we have arrested 22 suspects, while six others remain at large,” he added.
The police chief assured residents of Plateau State that the command is committed to ensuring that all those responsible are held accountable.
“I wish to use this opportunity to assure the good and peace-loving people of Plateau State that the command, under my leadership, is doing everything within our constitutional powers to ensure all those involved in this evil and inhuman act are arrested and made to face the full weight of the law,” he said.
He advised citizens, especially youths, to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or other security agencies.
