22 suspects arrested over killing of 12 wedding guests in Plateau

The police command in Plateau says its operatives have arrested 22 suspects over alleged involvement in the killing of 12 wedding guests in the state.

On Friday, 12 people were killed after a mob set ablaze a bus packed with wedding guests who were travelling from Zaria, Kaduna, to Quan Pan LGA in Plateau for the ceremony.

Some of the wedding guests suffered various degrees of injuries from the attack.

The wedding guests reportedly lost their way before they were ambushed by a mob in Mangun.

President Bola Tinubu had directed Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau, to take action and get to the root of the issue.

A statement by Alfred Alabo, Plateau police spokesperson, said 21 travellers were rescued and taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

“Upon receipt of this intelligence, the commissioner of police of Plateau immediately directed the divisional police officer of Mangu division to mobilize men and swiftly race to the scene,” the statement reads.

“On reaching the scene, our men in collaboration with other security agencies quickly dispersed the angry mob and rescued twenty-one (21) victims and rushed them to the hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.

“Upon conducting our preliminary investigation, it was revealed that the victims were travelers from Zaria, Kaduna State who were on transit to Quan’pan LGA to attend a wedding ceremony when they lost their way.

“Their vehicle was illegally arrested by the angry mob and set ablaze. As a result of this unfortunate incident, some of the passengers lost their lives, while 7 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries.

“In a display of courage, our men in collaboration with other security agencies were able to rescue fourteen (14) persons unhurt.

“Consequently, twenty two (22) suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.”