The victims of a deadly mob attack in Mangun community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, have been laid to rest.
The deceased — men, women, and children — were all residents of Basawa-Anguwan Rimi in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State. They were travelling to Qua’an Pan LGA to attend a wedding ceremony when they were ambushed and killed.
The burial took place on Saturday evening at the Hayi Muslim Cemetery in Plateau State under tight security, following consent from the victims’ families. Religious leaders said the decision was made to avoid stoking tension in their native Kaduna communities.
Leading the funeral prayers, Islamic cleric Sheikh Suleiman Haruna called on mourners to accept the tragedy as Allah’s will and resist any form of reprisal.
“We understand the pain, but this is a test of faith. Retaliation will only deepen the crisis. Let us remain calm and pray for justice,” he urged.
READ ALSO: 22 Arrested over Killing of 12 Wedding Guests in Plateau — Police
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has strongly condemned the killings and ordered security agencies to swiftly track down and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“This horrific act must not go unpunished. We cannot allow criminality to fester under any guise,” the governor said in a statement.
The Plateau State Government also promised to work closely with security forces to restore peace in Mangu and neighbouring communities, which have witnessed repeated violence in recent times.