Crime suspect in police handcuff
By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
Plateau State Police Command has arrested 22 suspects in connection with a violent mob attack on travelers in Mangu Local Government Area on June 20, 2025.
This was disclosed by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, during a press briefing on July 10, 2025, where he also provided an update on the command’s efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
According to the Commissioner, the incident occurred when a 32-seater bus carrying passengers from Kaduna State was attacked by a mob at the Mangun market square in Mangu. The victims, who were traveling to a wedding in Qua’anpan Local Government Area, reportedly lost their way upon entering the market area.
The Commissioner said, “On June 20, 2025, we received a report from Mangu Division indicating that a bus carrying passengers traveling from Zaria to attend a wedding had been attacked by a mob at the Mangun market square. The victims, 21 in total, were rescued by our officers and other security agencies. They were quickly rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.”
“Upon receipt of the report, I directed the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Mangu to mobilize a team to the scene. Our men, in collaboration with other security agencies, were able to disperse the mob and rescue the victims. The passengers, who were from Zaria, had been traveling in a bus with the inscription ‘Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.’ They had lost their way and unfortunately found themselves in the middle of the attack.”
The Commissioner further revealed that the Plateau State Police Command immediately launched a comprehensive investigation, deploying the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and the State Intelligence Department (SID) to gather intelligence and aid in apprehending the culprits.
CP Adesina noted, “In response to this attack, I personally visited the scene on June 21, 2025, accompanied by my management team and heads of other security agencies. We assessed the situation on the ground and took necessary measures to prevent further escalation. Thanks to the swift and diligent efforts of our officers, 22 suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime. However, six suspects remain at large, and we are doing everything possible to track them down.”
In his address, CP Adesina assured the people of Plateau State that the police command would continue to uphold law and order and appealed to the public to cooperate with the police and report any suspicious activities. “We will ensure that all those involved in this heinous act are arrested and brought to justice. The law will take its course.”
“I urge the citizens, especially the youth, not to take the law into their own hands, but to report any illegal activities to the nearest police station or security agency.”
“The suspects will face the full weight of the law, and we are committed to ensuring justice is served,” he added.
