By Joe Udo
JOS (CONVERSEER) – The Plateau State Police Command has arraigned 22 individuals in connection with the brutal killing of 13 travellers in Mangun community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The suspects were brought before the Plateau State High Court in Jos on Thursday over the fatal attack, which occurred as 32 men, women, and children journeyed from Basawa in Sabon Gari LGA of Kaduna State to Qua community in Qua’an Pan LGA of Plateau State to attend a wedding ceremony.
The victims, travelling in an 18-seater bus, were ambushed by a mob in Mangun, resulting in the death of 13 people and leaving several others severely injured.
At the court session, prosecuting counsel, S.I. Ikutanwa, filed a four-count charge against the suspects and urged the court to allow them to take their plea.
However, defence counsel, Garba Pwol, raised an objection, noting that two of the accused persons were minors—aged 13 and 17—and could not be prosecuted alongside adults under Nigerian law. He requested time to file a formal objection to their inclusion in the trial.
Ikutanwa did not contest the claim and urged the court to proceed with the plea of the remaining 20 adult suspects.
Presiding judge, Justice Boniface Ngyon, ruled in favour of caution and declined to take the pleas of any of the accused on Thursday. He ordered the prosecution to amend the charges to exclude the two minors.
The judge subsequently directed that all 22 suspects be remanded in police custody and adjourned the case to Friday, 11th July 2025, for fresh plea-taking.
The tragic incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with calls for justice for the victims and stronger security measures to prevent further attacks in the region.
