Northern senators warn against reprisals after Plateau killings, call for intelligence-led policing

The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has condemned the killing of travellers in Mangu LGA of Plateau state and urged security agencies to adopt intelligence-led strategies to prevent future attacks.

Twelve people were killed on Friday when a mob attacked a bus carrying wedding guests from Zaria, Kaduna, to Quan Pan LGA in Plateau.

Eleven other wedding guests suffered various degrees of injuries from the attack.

In a statement issued on Monday, Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, chairman of the forum, described the incident as a “barbaric and cowardly act” that must be met with swift justice.

“The NSF views this incident as a heinous attack with no place in a civilised society,” the statement reads.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the government and people of Kaduna state, especially the bereaved families affected by this atrocity.”

He said the killing of innocent citizens violates their constitutional right to freedom of movement and poses a serious threat to national unity.

The senator called on the police to enhance its intelligence-gathering capacity to pre-empt and respond effectively to such attacks.

He also appealed to the federal government to provide security agencies with modern communication tools to help track and apprehend criminals.

Yar’Adua urged communities in Plateau state and across the north to remain calm and be law-abiding.

“We strongly caution against reprisal attacks which could escalate the situation and lead to further bloodshed,” he said.

He also called on the Plateau state government to intensify efforts to promote peaceful coexistence among ethnic and religious groups.

“The NSF stands in solidarity with the victims’ families and all Nigerians in condemning this senseless violence,” he said.

“We remain committed to working with relevant authorities to ensure justice is served and to prevent future occurrences.”

Condemning the incident in a press statement on Sunday, President Bola Tinubu, through Bayo Onanuga, his special adviser on information and strategy, urged Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau, to take action and get to the root of the issue.

“The government of Plateau state must take decisive action in handling these vicious cycles of violence,” Tinubu said.