President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with several northern governors, has expressed deep sorrow over the gruesome killing of 13 travellers from Kaduna State, who were ambushed and murdered while passing through Plateau State. The victims, mostly women and children, were reportedly returning from a religious event in Zaria when they were attacked in the Gada-Biyu area of Jos North Local Government Area. The tragic incident has ignited national outrage and renewed calls for urgent action on rising insecurity across parts of Nigeria.
The burial ceremonies for the deceased took place over the weekend under tight security. Nine of the victims were laid to rest on Saturday at the Hayi Muslim Cemetery in Mangu, Plateau State, while the remaining four were buried on Sunday in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area. Mourners, including community leaders and government officials, gathered in solemnity to pay their last respects, as emotions ran high among relatives and sympathizers. The killings have been widely condemned as senseless and barbaric.
In a strong statement, President Tinubu described the attack as “heinous and totally unacceptable.” He emphasized that every Nigerian has a constitutional right to free movement and peaceful living, calling the killings not just an assault on the victims but a threat to national unity. He directed security agencies to ensure that all perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and maintaining law and order.
The Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, also condemned the attack, urging Plateau residents to remain calm while investigations continue. Similarly, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani labelled the killings as “inhumane and senseless,” urging unity among communities and warning against reprisals. Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang mourned the loss and cautioned against jungle justice, assuring the public that arrests have already been made and further steps would follow.
This latest tragedy has intensified national concern about Nigeria’s deepening security challenges, particularly in the North-Central region. Observers have called for more robust intelligence operations, proactive community policing, and greater accountability in security institutions. For the families of the victims, however, the pain remains raw—an agonizing reminder of the urgent need for lasting peace and justice.
