The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 22 suspects linked to the horrifying attack that claimed the lives of 12 wedding guests in Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
The attack occurred on Friday night, June 20, 2025, at approximately 9:47 p.m., when a commercial bus conveying 31 passengers from Zaria, Kaduna State, was intercepted by a violent mob in Mangun village, Mangu LGA. The travellers, who were en route to Qua’an Pan LGA to attend a wedding, had reportedly lost their way when their vehicle was stopped and subsequently set ablaze by the attackers.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Alabo Alfred, detailed the swift response of security agencies. Upon receiving credible intelligence about the attack, the Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer of Mangu Division to mobilise officers to the scene.
Police operatives, working in concert with other security agencies, were able to disperse the mob, rescue 21 victims, and transport them to nearby hospitals for treatment. Among them, seven sustained varying degrees of injuries, while 14 others were safely rescued without harm. Tragically, several others could not be saved, as the bus was already engulfed in flames.
A preliminary police investigation revealed that the victims had unintentionally strayed off their intended route, which led them into the hostile area where the mob attack occurred. The force described the assault as a senseless and inhumane act against innocent travellers.
In a show of commitment to justice, CP Adesina visited the scene on Saturday morning at about 7:00 a.m. alongside heads of other security agencies and senior police officers. He assessed the damage and coordinated further strategies to prevent a recurrence of violence and maintain order in the region.
The Commissioner further ordered the deployment of operatives from the State Intelligence Department (SID), the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and Tactical Teams to intensify investigations and track down all those involved in the attack. So far, 22 suspects have been taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
Reiterating the police command’s commitment to ensuring justice, the Commissioner assured residents of Plateau State that every legal measure would be taken to identify, apprehend, and prosecute all perpetrators of the crime.
He also appealed to the public—particularly the youth—to refrain from mob actions or taking the law into their own hands. Citizens were encouraged to report suspicious individuals or activities promptly to the nearest police station or security agency.
For emergencies, the Plateau State Police Command Control Room can be reached via the following numbers: 07059473022, 08038907662, 08075391844, and 09053872296.