12 Killed, 19 Injured as Plateau Youths Attack Wedding Bus
Tragedy struck on Friday night when a commercial bus carrying wedding guests was ambushed by armed youths in Plateau State, resulting in the death of 12 passengers and injuries to 19 others.
The victims, mostly men, women, and children, had departed Basawa in Zaria LGA of Kaduna State in an 18-seater bus belonging to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, heading to Qua’an Pan LGA for a wedding ceremony.
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The incident occurred around 8pm near Kyarang junction in Manjul community, Mangu Local Government Area, after the bus lost its way and stopped to ask for directions. Survivors said the vehicle was suddenly surrounded by a violent mob who accused them of being threats and launched a brutal attack.
“They killed the driver first and then others. They even burned the bus with bodies inside,” said survivor Ibrahim Umar, now hospitalized.
According to a security source, the bus was set ablaze around 9:47pm after passengers were attacked. Seven people reportedly died instantly, while others suffered various degrees of injuries. Fourteen passengers were rescued through the intervention of local community leaders.
Mangu LGA Chairman, Emmanuel Bala, called the incident a “mistaken attack,” linking it to heightened tensions in the area due to earlier security alerts about potential bandit activity.
Chief Imam Sheikh Suleiman Haruna confirmed that eight bodies have been recovered and deposited at Mangu General Hospital, while efforts are ongoing to retrieve the remaining four.
The Plateau State Police Command has not issued an official statement as calls and messages to their spokesperson, DSP Alfred Altau, went unanswered.
The charred wreckage of the bus now stands as a tragic symbol of mistaken identity and unchecked mob violence.
