By Abubakar Yunusa
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), has expressed deep grief and outrage over the gruesome killing of innocent travellers in Plateau State, describing the June 20 attack as a barbaric, cold-blooded assault that underscores the persistent threat to peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
According to the group, 31 individuals, including women and children, were travelling from Zaria to Kwa in Quan Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State to attend a wedding when they were ambushed by armed assailants.
In a statement signed by Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, National Coordinator of the CNG, the coalition disclosed that eight victims, including a 10-year-old child, were killed and burned inside the bus, which was reportedly owned by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
He said: “Eighteen others are currently receiving treatment for life-threatening injuries at Mangu General Hospital. Four remain missing, unaccounted for, leaving their families in anguish and uncertainty.
“According to eyewitness accounts and available reports, the only “crime” these victims committed was being Hausa and Muslim. This targeted attack is not an isolated case, but a continuation of a deeply troubling trend of ethnically and religiously motivated violence in Plateau State spanning nearly two decades.
“We painfully recall: The burning alive of Ningi travellers during the Dariye administration. The still unresolved murder of General Idris Alkali, under the Jang administration. The killing of Muslim pilgrims from Ondo State returning from Bauchi during the Lalong administration.
“These and many other unreported atrocities stand as painful reminders of a disturbing culture of impunity that has festered for far too long.
“The CNG finds it unacceptable that:
Such heinous crimes continue with little to no accountability. Victims are repeatedly profiled, targeted, and eliminated simply for their ethnic and religious identity. The Plateau State Government and security agencies have failed to decisively address this dangerous trend.”
To this end, the CNG made the following demands, “The Plateau State Government and Federal Authorities to immediately launch a transparent, thorough investigation. The Nigerian Police Force, DSS, and Military to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators without delay.
“Community leaders, religious figures, and civil society actors to publicly denounce this violence and work toward rebuilding genuine peace. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to investigate and document these crimes for appropriate redress and global accountability.
“The Coalition of Northern Groups declares: Enough is enough. We will no longer remain silent while innocent Northerners are hunted, murdered, and burned in broad daylight for no other reason than who they are.
“Plateau State, which prides itself as the “Home of Peace and Tourism,” must confront its demons and reclaim its lost identity not through slogans, but through action.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We pray for the healing of the wounded and the safe return of the missing. But above all, we demand justice, accountability, and concrete change not tomorrow, but now.”
