A youth leader from Mangun District in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Mr Daniel Dawap, has alleged that many individuals arrested in connection with the lynching of 22 wedding guests were randomly picked up from drinking spots, farmlands, and the popular Mangu Market days after the incident.
The arrested individuals were arraigned before a High Court in Jos on Friday, July 11, 2025, following the tragic events of June 21 in Mangun community, where a group of 31 travellers—wedding guests from Basawa, Zaria in Kaduna State—were attacked and killed. The victims were reportedly en route to a wedding ceremony in Qua’an Pan LGA but had lost their way and entered Mangun, a community grappling with recurrent insecurity and banditry.
Mistaken for terrorists, the guests were attacked by a mob, and their vehicle was set ablaze in a harrowing act that has drawn widespread condemnation. Two days later, police arrested 22 suspects allegedly involved in the attack.
However, speaking to DAILY POST shortly after the court session, Mr Dawap expressed serious concern over the legitimacy of the arrests. He claimed the police operation lacked due diligence and resulted in the indiscriminate arrest of innocent residents.
“I must clarify that I am not defending the suspects or justifying the mob action, which was barbaric and totally condemnable,” Dawap stated. “That said, a significant number of those arraigned were not connected to the incident in any way.”
He detailed that some individuals were apprehended while consuming local brew at Burukutu joints, others while engaged in tin mining (guza) activities, and several while working on their farms. Two of his cousins, he said, were picked up on their way home from the market.
“The police arrived in Mangun two days after the attack and began arbitrary arrests. Those who could not pay bribes were forcefully taken away to Jos,” he alleged.
Dawap, speaking on behalf of the Mangun Youth Forum, called on the authorities to carry out a credible and thorough investigation to identify the actual perpetrators.
“We are appealing to the police to conduct a proper investigation and ensure that only those truly culpable face the law. Innocent people should not be punished for a crime they did not commit,” he concluded.
