Nation Mourns: 12 Wedding Travelers Killed In Plateau Attack

By; ABUBAKAR RABILU, Gombe

Nigeria is in mourning following the tragic killing of 12 wedding travelers in Plateau State.

In a joint statement, Rep. O.K. Chinda (Minority Leader), Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki (Deputy Minority Leader), Dr. Ali Isa J.C. (Minority Whip), and Rt. Hon. G.I. Ozodinobi (Deputy Minority Whip) expressed their heartbreak and outrage over the event of Friday, June 21, 2025.

The statement condemned the ambush of 31 travelers from the Basawa community in Zaria, Kaduna State, who were en route to a marriage ceremony in Qu’an Pan.

Among the 12 lives lost, were the father, younger brother, and uncle of the groom, turning a joyous occasion into a heartbreaking tragedy.

“This unprovoked violence against individuals who embarked on their journey with gifts, kola nuts, and goodwill is a grave affront to humanity and the peace every Nigerian aspires to uphold,” the legislators stated.

Survivors reported that the travelers had clearly explained their peaceful mission and pleaded for understanding. Despite this, their pleas were met with unimaginable cruelty.

The statement praised the swift intervention of the Nigerian Army, which prevented further loss of life.

 However, the incident raises urgent questions about the state of security and communal relations in the region.

The lawmakers highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Mangu Local Government Area, where the attack occurred.

Years of unchecked herdsmen attacks and retaliatory violence have created an atmosphere of fear, suspicion, and lawlessness.

“Communities have resorted to self-help measures, forming vigilante groups that blur the line between defense and mob violence,” they said, emphasizing that innocent lives, like those lost in Friday’s attack, are often caught in this cycle of retribution.

The tragedy underscores the need for decisive action, thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice, comprehensive security measures to restore law and order.

Also, fostering dialogue between communities to rebuild trust, Implementing early warning systems to prevent such incidents.

The legislators urged both the Plateau State and Federal Government to address this crisis as a pivotal moment in tackling escalating violence.

 They called for a strategic, coordinated approach rather than piecemeal responses.

“To the grieving families of Basawa, we extend our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies. May this senseless tragedy catalyze meaningful and lasting change,” the statement concluded.