Nigerian authorities arrested 22 individuals in connection with a lethal mob assault on a passenger bus in Plateau State’s Mangu area, which claimed at least twelve lives on Friday evening, according to AP News.
The victims were en route from Zaria in Kaduna State, approximately 400 kilometres away, to attend a wedding when their vehicle veered off course and was attacked by an “angry mob.” Police confirmed 21 passengers were rescued, though federal officials provided scarce death tolls.
Rights group Amnesty International verified 12 immediate deaths and 11 injuries, demanding authorities ensure “the actual persons behind the horrific attack are brought to justice.” Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the assault, urging law enforcement to deliver justice and implement preventative strategies.
The whole nation mourns with you, the international community mourns with you. I have cried since yesterday. All arrangements were put in place to avoid this, yet we failed you. On behalf of the government and security agencies, please forgive us.
The incident punctuates a harrowing cycle of violence in Nigeria’s north-central region, where communal clashes and armed incursions have surged. Just weeks before, gunmen slaughtered around 100 residents in Yelewata village, Benue State.
Human Rights Watch documents chronic failures to prosecute perpetrators, enabling retaliatory violence.
The law that is there is just on the books. If you are a victim of a crisis, you will become a perpetrator of the next crisis because there is no justice.
