House Minority Caucus Condemns Killing of 31 Wedding Guests in

…calls for urgent justice

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has in strong terms condemned the brutal killing of 31 travelers en route to a wedding in Plateau State, describing the act as “heinous” and “unconscionable.”

This was contained in a statement signed by the Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Aliyu Madaki, Minority Whip, Rep. Ali Isa and Deputy Minority Whip, Rep. George Ozodinobi and made available to Naijablitznews.com on Monday in Abuja.

The statement reads: “We are deeply saddened and outraged by the heinous attack that took place in Plateau State on Friday, June 21, 2025, in which 31 innocent wedding travelers, members of the Basawa community from Zaria, Kaduna State, were ambushed while en route to a marriage ceremony in Pau. Among the 12 killed were the father, younger brother, and uncle of the groom. The grief and anguish visited upon this family, and upon a community that had set out in joy, are both staggering and unconscionable.

“According to survivors, the victims had clearly explained their mission: they were not combatants, nor were they party to any conflict. They bore no weapons, only gifts, kola nuts, and goodwill. Yet, they were met with suspicion, rage, and deadly violence. The assailants ignored every plea for understanding. Such cruelty offends the conscience of every peace-loving Nigerian”.

While commending the Nigerian Army’s rapid intervention, which reportedly prevented further bloodshed, the lawmakers questioned the broader security failures that allowed such an attack to occur in the first place.

“We commend the prompt intervention of the Nigerian Army, whose swift action prevented further loss of life. But we must ask: how did we get here? How did we become a nation where joyful travelers can be mistaken for threats, and murdered in cold blood?”, the caucus questioned.

The lawmakers placed the tragedy within a wider context of insecurity in Plateau State, particularly in Mangu Local Government Area, which has seen a surge in violence attributed to herdsmen attacks. They warned that in the absence of credible state protection, communities have resorted to self-defense mechanisms, increasing tensions and the potential for tragic misjudgments.

“We cannot ignore the wider context. Mangu Local Government Area has, in recent years, become a cauldron of herdsmen attacks. Just last night, 19 people were reportedly killed and many homes set ablaze. In the absence of effective state protection, it is sadly understandable that local communities have resorted to desperate acts of self-defence, forming vigilante groups and responding to every movement with suspicion. In such an atmosphere of fear and retribution, the line between justice and mob violence disappears; and innocent people, like the victims of Friday’s tragedy, are consumed in the chaos.

“Peace, law, and order cannot thrive where fear reigns and the state appears absent. It is the solemn duty of the State and Federal Governments to ensure that peace-building mechanisms are urgently instituted. Dialogue must be fostered between communities. Early warning systems must be activated. And most critically, perpetrators of violence must be brought to justice swiftly and transparently.

“In such an atmosphere of fear and retribution,” they wrote, “the line between justice and mob violence disappears.”

Calling for immediate action, the caucus demanded a thorough investigation into the attack, swift justice for the perpetrators, and the urgent deployment of peace-building initiatives. These, they said, must include dialogue between communities, operational early warning systems, and credible security guarantees from both the Plateau State and Federal Governments.

“Piecemeal responses will no longer suffice. What is required is a holistic approach that combines justice, dialogue, security, and reconciliation,” the statement warned.

To the grieving families of Basawa, the caucus extended their “deepest sympathies,” and urged that this national tragedy mark a turning point in the country’s handling of communal violence.

“This tragedy must be the turning point; not just in words, but in action,” they stated.