Muhammad Tanko, Jos
The Jasawa Community Development Association (JCDA) has strongly condemned the brutal killing and burning of 12 innocent travelers in Mangun community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In a statement by its Secretary General, Comrade Shittu Tanko, said the association has called on the Plateau State Government to investigate the alleged complicity of the Mangun traditional ruler in the killing.
The JCDA rejected any suggestion that the attack could be justified by circumstances such as “lost their way” or “mistaken identity,” saying such assertions unfairly shift blame onto the victims and undermine the gravity of the incident.
The association noted that the heinous act allegedly carried out in front of the traditional ruler’s palace involving community youth is a serious indictment of the leadership in Mangun.
“The complicity of the traditional ruler and the youth leader must be thoroughly investigated,” Comrade Shittu said.
According to credible reports, some suspects were arrested, and their confessions led to the discovery of four mutilated bodies buried in a shallow grave near the palace of the traditional ruler.
The JCDA described this as “an affront to humanity, justice, and the rule of law” and demanded an immediate and transparent investigation, arrest, and prosecution of all those involved, regardless of status or title.
Then the association commended Muslim youths for their calm and law-abiding behavior, urging security operatives to pursue justice for a better society.
It also called on the federal government to ensure the victims’ families are compensated from the Plateau State government’s coffers to prevent such incidents in the future.
“We appeal to security operatives to pursue the cause of justice for a better society so that this ugly trend existing mostly in Plateau State where innocent travelers are usually lynched without knowing the cause will be eliminated,” the JCDA said.
The JCDA’s demands highlight the need for accountability and justice in the face of violence and human rights abuses.
Therefore the association’s called for investigation and prosecution of those involved, including the traditional ruler, underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served to the victims.
