Amnesty International has urged the Nigerian government to launch an investigation into the killing of 12 travellers by a mob in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The tragic incident occurred near Kyarang junction in the Manjul community and involved 31 passengers traveling to Quaโan Pan LGA for a wedding.
The victims, which included men, women, and children, had set out from Basawa in the Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State in an 18-seater bus.
Around 8 p.m., they reportedly lost their way and stopped to seek directions when they were suddenly attacked by a mob.
Survivors of the attack recounted how the vehicle was surrounded before the passengers were violently assaulted.
In a statement released on Saturday via its verified X account, Amnesty International emphasized the urgency of holding the perpetrators accountable.
The organization called for a swift, impartial, and thorough investigation.
Excerpt:
โThe horrific killing of 12 travellers in Plateau State demands an immediate, impartial, and effective investigation. Nigerian authorities must ensure justice for victims and prevent such heinous acts from recurring. Impunity only fuels further violence. #PlateauKillings #JusticeForTravelers.โ
The human rights group also recalled a similar massacre in August 2021, when 22 travellers were killed along Rukuba Road in Jos North while returning from an Islamic New Year celebration in Bauchi.
Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to go beyond public condemnations and take concrete action to prevent such tragedies.
It emphasized that attacks on travellers are a grave violation of the right to life and due process, and cannot be justified under any circumstance.
The organization further urged the government to ensure that survivors of the attack receive adequate medical treatment.
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