Ibrahim Umar, one of the survivors from the attack in Mangu Local Government of Plateau State, revealed how they entered into the ordeal that cost at least 12 lives of wedding passengers.
The 18-seater Bus, belonging to Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (ABU), was conveying 31 persons from the Basawa community in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State to a wedding in Qua’an Pan Local Government of Plateau State—part of the group, including men, women, and children.
Umar said the group was unfamiliar with the area and had stopped to ask for directions when a crowd suddenly surrounded them.
“We were heading to Qua’an Pan for our brother’s wedding, but missed the road. We asked some people for help, but before we knew it, they encircled the vehicle, shouting that we should be killed,” he told Daily Trust.
“They killed our driver first and then descended on the rest of us with dangerous weapons. They set the bus on fire with some of the corpses still inside. I was lucky to survive, but many others didn’t. We are now in the hospital receiving treatment.”
Giving details, Umar explained, “The father and younger brother of the groom were also killed in the incident. The groom’s uncle was also killed. He said the groom was originally from Zaria but lectures at an institution in the area.
“We were carrying kola nuts and other marriage gifts for the wedding. We explained everything to the perpetrators, but they didn’t understand. We told them we were strangers from Kaduna state, heading for a wedding ceremony, but they didn’t agree. We are all members of the same family and community.”
The survivor applauded the soldiers stationed near the scene of the incident for their prompt action, saying, “The soldiers really helped us. They came to rescue us. If not for their quick response, the situation would have been different.”
Confirming the attack, Sheikh Suleiman Haruna, Chief Imam of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), said eight corpses have so far been recovered and deposited at the Mangu General Hospital.
“We have confirmed that 12 people were killed. So far, eight bodies have been deposited at the hospital. We are working with the security agencies to recover the remaining four. The Chairman of Mangu LGA is also actively involved in addressing the situation,” Sheikh Suleiman stated.
The Plateau State Police Command, in a statement says it has arrested 22 suspects in connection with the killings. Alabo Alfred, the Command’s Spokesperson, disclosed this on Saturday.
“On June 20th, 2025 at about 09:47 p.m., the Plateau State Police Command received credible intelligence revealing that a bus carrying some passengers from Zaria, Kaduna State was attacked by some angry mob in Mangun Village, Mangu Local Government Area.
“Upon receipt of this intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer, Mangu Division, to mobilize men and swiftly race to the scene. 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 in transit to Quan’pan LGA to attend a wedding ceremony when they lost their way. Their vehicle was illegally stopped by the angry mob and set ablaze. As a result of this unfortunate incident, some of the passengers lost their lives, while seven 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.”
“The CP has deployed men from the State Intelligence Department (SID) to Mangu for effective intelligence gathering. He has also deployed men from the State CID and directed them to launch an intensive investigation into the matter. Additionally, the Police helmsman has deployed Tactical Teams and other Operational Assets to the LGA to support our investigation and ensure the arrest of more suspects.”
The police assured the public that all efforts are being made to ensure justice is served and warned against taking the law into one’s own hands.
