The Northern Senators Forum has issued a strong condemnation of the recent attack that claimed the lives of several passengers traveling from Kaduna State through Plateau State, describing the incident as a "barbaric and cowardly act" that poses a significant threat to Nigeria's national unity.
The incident occurred last Friday when unidentified assailants ambushed an 18-seater bus carrying travelers from the Basawa community in Zaria, Kaduna State, who were en route to Qua'an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State. The attack reportedly took place in Mangu Local Government Area, a region that has experienced recurring violence in recent months.
In a statement released by the forum, Chairman Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar'Adua expressed condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. "On behalf of the Forum, I extend our deepest condolences to the government and people of Kaduna State, particularly the bereaved families affected by this heinous attack," Yar'Adua stated.
The forum characterized the killings as a direct assault on Nigerians' constitutional rights to freedom of movement as guaranteed by Section 41 of the Constitution. "This kind of mindless violence is unacceptable in any civilised society. It undermines our collective values and threatens the fabric of our national unity," the statement emphasized.
Call for Enhanced Security Measures
The Northern Senators have called on the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen its intelligence-gathering capabilities to prevent similar attacks in the future and ensure that those responsible for the current atrocity are swiftly brought to justice.
Additionally, the forum urged the Federal Government to equip security agencies with modern communication tools to enhance their crime prevention efforts across the region.
In an effort to prevent escalation of tensions, the senators appealed to communities in the affected areas to maintain calm and resist any urges for retaliatory violence. "We also urge the Plateau State Government to intensify efforts at fostering peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic and religious communities in the state," the statement added.
The attack comes amid growing concerns about intercommunal violence in Nigeria's Middle Belt region, where Plateau State is located. The area has long been a flashpoint for ethnic and religious tensions, with periodic outbreaks of violence affecting communities across the state.
As investigations continue, security agencies have reportedly increased their presence in the area to prevent further incidents and restore public confidence in travel safety across the region.
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