President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has strongly condemned the killing of 12 travellers in Plateau State, describing the attack as “barbaric” and “unacceptable.”
The victims, reportedly returning from a wedding ceremony, were ambushed and killed while travelling from Zaria in Kaduna State to Jos, Plateau State. Among the dead were the father and brother of the groom.
In a statement issued Sunday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu directed the Nigerian Police Force to collaborate with other security and intelligence agencies to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
“President Tinubu directs the Nigerian Police Force to work with other security and intelligence agencies to ensure those responsible for the attack are held accountable,” the statement read.
The President also called on the Plateau State Government to take decisive steps in tackling the persistent cycle of violence in the region.
“The Government of Plateau State must work with security agents to get to the root of this recent incident and use it as a deterrent against future occurrences,” the statement added.
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Condemning the attempt to instill fear and restrict the right to free movement, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the rights and safety of all Nigerians.
“Freedom of movement by all citizens is non-negotiable. We will not tolerate any attempt by anyone or group of people to curtail that fundamental freedom through acts of extreme violence and fear.”
The President extended condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and government of Kaduna State.
As of Sunday evening, no group had claimed responsibility for the attack, and security agencies have yet to announce any arrests.