Nigerian police have arrested 22 suspects in connection with a mob attack in Plateau state that left at least a dozen people dead, authorities said on Sunday.
The attack took place on Friday night when a passenger bus was ambushed in the Mangu area of Plateau state. The victims, who were traveling to attend a wedding, had come from Zaria in north-western Kaduna state — about 400 kilometres — and allegedly got lost before being attacked by a mob.
A police statement issued Saturday reported 21 passengers rescued from the "angry mob", without giving the number of casualties. Nigeria's federal police have a habit of providing more restrained death tolls than witnesses or local authorities.
But rights organization Amnesty International said 12 individuals were immediately killed during the attack, while 11 others were injured. In a statement on Saturday, the organization cited accountability, stating: "Authorities must ensure that the actual persons behind the horrific attack are brought to justice."
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang decried the situation and called on the security agencies to see to the pursuit of justice. He equally requested that steps be taken to avert future violence.
The fatal attack is the latest in a series of violent outbreaks to hit Nigeria's north-central states, which have long been a flashpoint for conflicts between agricultural and pastoralist communities. The area has also been attacked repeatedly by armed groups that roam there.
Only two weeks ago, at least 100 were shot dead in a village in the neighboring Benue state, as the region experienced escalating insecurity.
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