Governors of the 19 Northern States have called for swift action over the gruesome killing of some travellers, on Friday night.
Twelve out of 31 persons who were travelling to Plateau from Kaduna were murdered in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In a statement, Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGG) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, condemned the killing, describing it as barbaric.
Governor Yahaya expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, saying such barbarism has no place in a civilised society.
“I am deeply saddened by this horrific and inhumane attack. Such mindless violence against innocent citizens is unacceptable and must be met with swift and decisive justice,” he said.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kaduna, particularly to the bereaved families affected by the attack.
He also prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for comfort to their families in this difficult time.
Governor Yahaya commended authorities in Plateau and security agencies for their quick response after the incident.
“The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be arrested and brought to justice without delay. This is not just about accountability; it is about restoring faith in the rule of law and protecting the rights of every Nigerian citizen,” he added.
The NSGF Chairman also appealed to residents of Plateau, Kaduna, and neighbouring states to remain calm and law-abiding, urging against any form of reprisal.
“Let us not allow the actions of a few to divide our communities or ignite further violence. I urge everyone to exercise restraint and patience as authorities work to ensure justice is served.”
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Northern Governors’ Forum to collaborate on strengthening security, promoting peaceful coexistence, and addressing the root causes of conflict and insecurity across the region.
“The safety and security of our people remains our top priority. We will continue to work together as Northern Governors to strengthen community relations, improve intelligence sharing, and ensure such tragedies never happen again,” he remarked.
