Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the brutal killing of at least 12 travellers by a mob in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The victims, all from Basawa in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, were travelling in an 18-seater bus belonging to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The vehicle, which was conveying 31 people to a wedding, was ambushed around 8:00 p.m. on Sunday. Twelve passengers were killed on the spot, while 11 others sustained injuries.
Amnesty International condemned the attack in strong terms and urged the government to identify and prosecute the perpetrators. The organisation also called for immediate and adequate medical attention for the injured.
“This horrific attack must not go unpunished. Nigerian authorities must go beyond mere condemnation and take concrete steps to ensure justice is served,” the rights group said.
The human rights watchdog also drew parallels to a similar 2021 incident in Jos North, where 22 travellers returning from an Islamic New Year celebration in Bauchi were killed in a mob attack.
Amnesty International described the targeting of travellers as a “dangerous dimension” to Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis, calling it “an unacceptable crime that cannot be justified” and a violation of the right to life and due process.
Authorities have yet to issue a detailed statement on the latest incident.
