• Tell FG to ensure justice for victims
From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The Northern Senators’ Forum (NSF) has condemned the killing of innocent travellers in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing it as a barbaric and cowardly act that must not go unpunished.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, June 20, involved an 18-seater bus conveying passengers from Basawa community in Zaria, Kaduna State, to Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State. The passengers were ambushed and attacked in Mangu.
In a statement yesterday, chairman of the Forum, Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, expressed the Forum’s outrage and sympathy.
“On behalf of the Forum, I extend our deepest condolences to the government and people of Kaduna State, particularly to the bereaved families affected by this heinous attack. The NSF views the incident as a barbaric and cowardly act with no place in a civilised society and demands swift and decisive justice,” he said.
He stressed that the killings violate the constitutional right of Nigerians to move freely and reside in any part of the country.
“This mindless violence is unacceptable and undermines the fundamental right to freedom of movement and residence, as enshrined in Section 41 of the Nigerian Constitution. These senseless killings threaten the fabric of our national unity,” he said.
The Forum urged the Nigeria Police Force to improve intelligence gathering and response mechanisms, and called on the Federal Government to equip security agencies with modern communication tools to detect and prevent similar attacks.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to enhance its strategic information gathering capabilities to prevent and effectively respond to such crimes, ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice,” he said.
They also appealed for calm among communities and warned against retaliatory violence that could worsen the situation.
“We urge communities to remain calm and law-abiding, avoiding reprisal attacks that could escalate the situation,” Yar’Adua said, adding that the Plateau State Government should promote peaceful coexistence across ethnic and religious lines.
“The NSF stands in solidarity with the victims’ families and the entire nation in condemning this atrocity. We pledge to work with relevant authorities to ensure justice is served and such incidents are prevented in future. May Almighty Allah forgive them and grant them Jannah,” the statement concluded.