From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The Minority Caucus, in the House of Representatives, has condemned the killing of 31 persons on their way to a wedding ceremony in Plateau State, last weekend.
The caucus, in a statement by the minority leader, Kingsley Chinda, and three others, on Monday, called on the Federal Government , as well as the Plateau State government to ensure that those behind the killings are brought to book.
The lawmakers noted that there cannot be peace ,law and order, where there is a reign of fear, while the government appears to absent.
They said “we are deeply saddened and outraged by the heinous attack that took place in Plateau State on Friday, June 21, 2025, in which 31 innocent wedding travelers, members of the Basawa community from Zaria, Kaduna State, were ambushed while en route to a marriage ceremony in Pau. Among the 12 killed were the father, younger brother, and uncle of the groom.
“The grief and anguish visited upon this family, and upon a community that had set out in joy, are both staggering and unconscionable. According to survivors, the victims had clearly explained their mission: they were not combatants, nor were they party to any conflict.
“They bore no weapons, only gifts, kola nuts, and goodwill. Yet, they were met with suspicion, rage, and deadly violence. The assailants ignored every plea for understanding. Such cruelty offends the conscience of every peace-loving Nigerian.”
Nonetheless, the Caucus commended the the Nigerian Army for its prompt response, which prevented further loss of lives.
“We cannot ignore the wider context. Mangu Local Government Area has, in recent years, become a cauldron of herdsmen attacks. Just last night, 19 people were reportedly killed and many homes set ablaze. In the absence of effective state protection, it is sadly understandable that local communities have resorted to desperate acts of self-defence, forming vigilante groups and responding to every movement with suspicion.
“In such an atmosphere of fear and retribution, the line between justice and mob violence disappears; and innocent people, like the victims of Friday’s tragedy, are consumed in the chaos.
“Peace, law, and order cannot thrive where fear reigns and the state appears absent. It is the solemn duty of the State and Federal Governments to ensure that peace-building mechanisms are urgently instituted. Dialogue must be fostered between communities. Early warning systems must be activated. And most critically, perpetrators of violence must be brought to justice swiftly and transparently,” they stated.