President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has condemned the killing of wedding guests in Plateau State, calling it a disturbing and savage act.
The gruesome attack, which claimed the lives of 12 people traveling from Zaria in Kaduna State to Jos in Plateau State, has drawn outrage from the public and top officials alike.
Among those killed were the father and brother of the groom, turning what was supposed to be a joyous journey into a tragic event. Many other passengers sustained injuries during the assault.
The president’s reaction came in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday. Tinubu expressed deep anger over the killings and ordered a swift manhunt to locate and arrest those behind the violence.
“President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of travellers in Plateau State, urging security forces to ensure the arrest and punishment of the culprits,” the statement noted.
The President stressed that security agencies, especially the Nigerian Police Force, must cooperate with intelligence units to identify and prosecute the attackers.
He also directed the Plateau State Government to act quickly and firmly in investigating the crime, saying this must serve as a warning to those who seek to spread terror.
“The victims, many of them injured, were travelling from Zaria, in Kaduna State, to Jos, in Plateau State. President Tinubu directs the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to work with other security and intelligence agencies to ensure those responsible for the attack are held accountable,” the statement continued.
He further noted that freedom of movement is a basic right and warned that no group or individual has the authority to take away this right through violence or threats.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
In addition, the President sent his condolences to the families of those affected and to the people and government of Kaduna State.
“The President commiserates with the victims’ families and the people and government of Kaduna State,” the statement concluded.
