President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the killing of 12 travellers in Plateau State, describing the attack as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
The victims, many of whom were returning from a wedding, were ambushed while journeying from Zaria in Kaduna State to Jos, Plateau State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, June 22, 2025, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President directed security agencies to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the heinous act.
“President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of travellers in Plateau State, urging security forces to ensure the arrest and punishment of the culprits,” the statement read.
Reacting to the gruesome murder of the 12 wedding guests — which included the father and brother of the groom — President Tinubu insisted that such acts of violence must not be allowed to persist.
“The President described the heinous action as unacceptable and barbaric.
He directed the Nigerian Police Force to work closely with other security and intelligence agencies to ensure that those behind the killings are brought to justice without delay,” Onanuga added.
President Tinubu also emphasized the constitutional right of every Nigerian to move freely across the country, warning against attempts by individuals or groups to infringe upon that freedom through violence and intimidation.
“Freedom of movement by all citizens is non-negotiable,” Tinubu declared. “We will not tolerate any attempt by anyone or group of people to curtail that fundamental freedom through acts of extreme violence and fear.”
Calling for calm across the affected communities, Tinubu urged the Plateau State Government to take decisive action in breaking the cycle of violence.
“The state government must work with security agents to get to the root of this recent incident and use it as a deterrent against future occurrences,” the statement said.
The President extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, as well as the governments and people of Kaduna and Plateau States.
“My thoughts are with the victims’ families during this tragic time,” Tinubu added. “Justice will be served, and this government will not rest until peace is fully restored.”