Relatives of the 13 wedding guests who were brutally killed by a mob in the Mangun district of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State, on June 12, 2025, have strongly opposed the State High Court’s decision to grant bail to 20 suspects linked to the attack.
The suspects, arrested in connection with the assault on a 38-seater bus carrying the victims from Kaduna State to a wedding in Qua’an Pan LGA, were released on bail on Wednesday, August 20. Justice Nafisa Lawal Musa approved the motion filed by defence counsel Garba Pwul (SAN).
The victims reportedly lost their way and entered a community plagued by recent terrorist activity, where local youths mistaking them for bandits, allegedly launched a deadly assault.
Following the tragedy, 21 individuals were taken into custody. In a prior court session, 20 of them were remanded at the Jos Correctional Center pending further proceedings.
However, during their latest appearance, the court granted bail, sparking outrage among the victims’ families.
Mallam Abdullahi Tahir Balami, a relative of one of the deceased, voiced deep concern over the ruling. Speaking to journalists, he described the court’s decision as troubling and hinted at possible foul play.
Balami questioned the Plateau State government’s commitment to securing justice and expressed disbelief that bail could be granted in a case involving multiple homicides.
“With this development, we are now seriously questioning the commitment to dispensing justice to our relatives. It is saddening that suspects in a homicide case can be granted bail by a court,” Balami lamented.
Mallam Ubale Anguwar Dantsoho, who tragically lost several relatives in the attack, expressed deep shock upon hearing the news.
He questioned how individuals accused in a murder case could be granted bail, describing the court’s decision as both unexpected and troubling.
Dantsoho voiced concern that justice for his deceased loved ones might never be served.
Similarly, Maryam Usman, the widow of the driver involved in the fatal incident, shared her confusion and disbelief over the bail ruling.
Speaking to reporters, she admitted that she struggled to grasp the legal proceedings, finding it unimaginable that suspects linked to such a horrific crime could be released.
“What kind of court is that? We have now been thrown into despair. Instead of hearing good news from the court, since that is where justice is supposed to be dispensed, the court went ahead to grant them bail. It means our hope has been dashed. We are not likely to receive justice over the loss of our loved ones,” Maryam wondered.
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