Police begin trial of 22 over killing of 13 wedding guests in Plateau

The Plateau State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has announced the commencement of the trial of 22 suspects arrested in connection with the killing of 13 wedding guests in Mangun community, Mangu Local Government Area of the state.

Online reports that the tragic incident occurred on June 20, 2025, when a bus carrying passengers from Kaduna State was attacked by a mob, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.

Addressing journalists at the command’s headquarters in Jos, the state capital, on Thursday, the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, said the command responded swiftly to the incident by deploying personnel and operational assets to the scene, which led to the arrest of the perpetrators.

He confirmed that investigations had been concluded and the suspects would now face trial.

The commissioner said, “On June 20, 2025, we received a report at Mangu Division that a bus carrying passengers from Kaduna State was being attacked by an angry mob at Mangun market square, Mangu LGA.

“Upon receipt of the report, I directed the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Mangu Division to mobilise and lead a team of policemen to the crime scene.

“On reaching the location, our men, in collaboration with other security agencies, successfully dispersed the mob and rescued 21 victims, who were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.

During preliminary investigations, we discovered that the victims were travellers from Zaria, Kaduna State, heading to a wedding ceremony at Kwa village in Qua’anpan Local Government Area. They were travelling in a 32-seater bus marked ‘Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria’ when they lost their way and were unfortunately attacked by an angry mob in Mangun.”

Adesina explained that he had ordered the immediate deployment of operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department and State Intelligence Department to Mangu for further investigation and intelligence gathering.

“In addition, I deployed tactical teams and other operational units to aid in the arrest of those involved in this heinous crime.

“On June 21, 2025, at about 7 a.m, I personally visited the crime scene along with my management team and heads of other security agencies to assess the situation and implement measures to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” he added.

“Today, I am pleased to announce that due to the diligent and swift operations of our men, we have arrested 22 suspects, while six others remain at large,” he added.

The police commissioner assured residents of Plateau State that the command is committed to ensuring that all those responsible are held accountable.

“I wish to use this opportunity to assure the good and peace-loving people of Plateau State that the command, under my leadership, is doing everything within our constitutional powers to ensure all those involved in this evil and inhuman act are arrested and made to face the full weight of the law,” he said.

He urged citizens, especially youths, to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or other security agencies.