By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has condemned in strong terms the gruesome killing of 13 wedding guests, including women and children, in Mangun, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, calling the act a targeted and bloodthirsty attack that demands immediate and transparent investigation.
In a statement signed by Professor Tukur Muhammad Baba, ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, the Forum expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, which it described as part of a disturbing pattern of ethno-religious violence against travelers in Plateau State.
“This is not an isolated case. It fits into a larger, grim trend of ambushes and killings based on perceived religious identities,” the statement read.
Survivors of the attack recounted how the assailants appeared to have deliberately targeted them because of their religious affiliation, further reinforcing long-standing concerns over sectarian violence in the region.
The ACF cited past atrocities to underline the seriousness of the situation, including:
The August 14, 2021 killing of over 26 travelers returning from a religious event in Bauchi.
The September 3, 2018 assassination of a senior military officer under similar circumstances.
According to the ACF, many such attacks are either underreported or ignored by both national and international media, contributing to the continued impunity enjoyed by perpetrators.
While welcoming the promise by Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang to ensure justice and the reported arrest of 22 suspects, the ACF insisted that the investigation must be led by neutral federal security agencies, with findings made public and prosecutions swift and impartial.
Backing the ACF’s call, Amnesty International and Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, have also urged for a comprehensive and credible investigation into the killings.
The ACF further raised alarm over the worsening security situation across Arewa communities and Nigeria at large, describing insecurity as a major existential threat to national unity, development, and social cohesion.
It urged the Federal Government to:
Declare a total war on terror and criminality.
Deploy effective early-warning and rapid-response systems to prevent future attacks.
Re-strategize security frameworks to match the evolving nature of violent threats.
Additionally, the Forum called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community elders, civil society groups, and citizens to actively support peacebuilding efforts and share credible intelligence with security agencies to help combat the menace of terror gangs.
“This is a time for decisive action, not rhetoric,” the ACF warned. “Lives are being lost, communities are living in fear, and Nigeria’s future is at stake.”
