A youth leader in Mangun District, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Daniel Dawap, has claimed that many of the people arrested over the killing of 22 wedding guests were picked randomly from farms, markets, and drinking spots—days after the tragic incident.
The suspects were arraigned at a Jos High Court on Friday, July 11, in connection with the mob attack that took place on June 21, 2025, in Mangun community.
According to police reports, 31 wedding guests traveling from Basawa in Zaria, Kaduna State, to Qua’an Pan LGA in Plateau State mistakenly entered Mangun, a community that had recently experienced repeated bandit attacks. Mistaking them for terrorists, local youths attacked the travellers and set their bus on fire. Twenty-two people were killed, sparking national outrage.
Police launched a manhunt and arrested 22 people two days after the incident.
But Dawap, speaking to journalists after the suspects were remanded in Jos Correctional Centre, said many of those arrested may be innocent.
“I’m not defending anyone or supporting the mob action,” he said. “But I can tell you most of the people charged to court had nothing to do with the incident.”
He alleged that police stormed the community days later and arrested people indiscriminately. “Some were picked from Burukutu joints, others from tin mining sites and farms. Two of my cousins were even arrested on their way back from Mangu Market.”
Dawap added that anyone who couldn’t offer money to the police was bundled into a van and taken away as a suspect.
He called on the police to carry out a proper investigation to ensure the real culprits are found and prosecuted, instead of dragging innocent people into a crime they know nothing about.
The tragic mob killing has raised fresh concerns about rising insecurity, tension, and mistrust among communities in Plateau State. Authorities have promised justice, while civil groups continue to call for restraint and rule of law.