By Rejoice Peterside
The Senate has condemned in strong terms the gruesome killing of 13 Zaria residents in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State and has called on the Federal Government to commence a full-scale investigation into the tragic incident, with a vow to ensure justice for the victims.
The motion was moved by Senator Mustapha Ibrahim Khalid (Kaduna North), who described the incident as a “barbaric and senseless act” that must not go unpunished. According to reports, the victims indigenes of the Basawa community in Zaria were travelling to a wedding in Plateau State on a bus belonging to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, when they were ambushed and set ablaze by a violent mob.
“These were innocent civilians on a peaceful mission. What happened is a crime against humanity and must not be swept under the carpet,” Senator Khalid said. He urged the Senate to rise in one voice against such acts of terror and called on the security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.
Joining the debate, Senator Sunday Marshall (Kaduna South) expressed deep sorrow over the killings and condemned the targeted violence. He said the attack was not only a tragedy for the victims’ families but a threat to national unity.
“This act was cruel, inhumane, and totally unjustifiable. I join my colleague from Kaduna North in demanding justice. As a representative of Kaduna South, I mourn with our people. We must not allow this to be another unresolved killing,” he said.
In his response, the Senate President said the matter was of grave national importance and must be treated as such. He directed the Senate Committee on National Intelligence to begin submitting quarterly reports on the security situation across the country.
“We must be proactive, not reactive. It is no longer acceptable for this chamber to wait for bloodshed before engaging. The Committee on National Intelligence must henceforth provide us with periodic updates to guide policy decisions and legislative intervention,” he declared.
Lawmakers across party lines echoed the call for decisive action and emphasized the urgent need to arrest rising insecurity in Nigeria’s North-Central region.
The Senate also observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased and extended condolences to their families, the people of Kaduna State, and the Ahmadu Bello University community.
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