Toll in Lynching of Nigeria Wedding Guests Rises to 12
The number of fatalities following a mob attack on a bus carrying Muslim wedding guests in central Nigeria's Plateau state has increased to 12, including the groom's father and brother.
According to the Nigerian presidency, the incident occurred when approximately 30 individuals aboard a bus en route to a wedding veered off course.
They were confronted by an angry mob while seeking directions.
The group was subsequently attacked with sticks, machetes, and stones, resulting in their vehicle being set ablaze.
Initially reported as eight deaths with four missing, the confirmed death toll has since risen to 12.
President Bola Tinubu strongly condemned the lynching, describing it as 'unacceptable and barbaric.' He called for the swift arrest and punishment of those responsible and urged the Plateau state government to take decisive action in addressing these violent conflicts.
The president's office emphasized that the deceased included the groom’s father and brother.
Tensions in the region have escalated amid a series of recent attacks, primarily targeting ethnic Fulani nomadic Muslim herders who are suspected of killing dozens in the Mangu local government area of Plateau state.
These tensions stem from longstanding conflicts between Fulani herders and settled farmers over land and resources access.
The clashes often involve religious and ethnic dimensions.
In response to this incident, police have apprehended 22 suspects believed to be connected to the attack.
They were confronted by an angry mob while seeking directions.
The group was subsequently attacked with sticks, machetes, and stones, resulting in their vehicle being set ablaze.
Initially reported as eight deaths with four missing, the confirmed death toll has since risen to 12.
President Bola Tinubu strongly condemned the lynching, describing it as 'unacceptable and barbaric.' He called for the swift arrest and punishment of those responsible and urged the Plateau state government to take decisive action in addressing these violent conflicts.
The president's office emphasized that the deceased included the groom’s father and brother.
Tensions in the region have escalated amid a series of recent attacks, primarily targeting ethnic Fulani nomadic Muslim herders who are suspected of killing dozens in the Mangu local government area of Plateau state.
These tensions stem from longstanding conflicts between Fulani herders and settled farmers over land and resources access.
The clashes often involve religious and ethnic dimensions.
In response to this incident, police have apprehended 22 suspects believed to be connected to the attack.
