By Ibrahim Babangida Lawal
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), FCT Area Unit, has issued a passionate call for immediate action and structural reforms following the tragic killing of 12 students from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State on June 20, 2025.
The students, en route to Qua’an Pan LGA for a wedding ceremony, were reportedly ambushed and killed due to a wrong turn, an event that MSSN has described as both heartbreaking and indicative of the ongoing failures in Nigeria’s security and governance systems.
“This was not a case of mistaken identity. It was a gruesome execution of innocent lives,” MSSN stated. “These students represented the hope of a nation but now silenced by unchecked brutality and the culture of impunity.”
The attack also left 19 other students severely injured, some of whom are still receiving medical treatment. The victims have since been buried in Mangu, as the nation grapples with the implications of the violence.
Arrests and Reactions
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed that 22 suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the attack. Meanwhile, both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani have condemned the killings. The President has directed law enforcement agencies to ensure the perpetrators face justice.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State visited survivors and directed hospitals to provide free treatment. However, MSSN insists that symbolic acts of compassion must give way to durable policy reforms.
A Broader National Concern
According to the MSSN, the killings are not isolated but reflect chronic dysfunction in Nigeria’s political and security systems.
“This is a national emergency. We cannot afford to treat it as just another regional conflict. The killings of these students should shake the conscience of every Nigerian,” the statement read.
The group emphasized that the incident underscores Nigeria’s failure to safeguard citizens, especially youth, and highlights the urgent need to address interethnic and interfaith tensions that have historically plagued Plateau State and other parts of the country.
MSSN’s Four-Point Demand
- Meaningful National Dialogue: The group called for sincere, inclusive dialogue not token meetings that get to the root causes of recurring violence and offer lasting solutions.
- Rebuilding Trust Across Communities: MSSN urged for coordinated, community-level peacebuilding supported by government-led reconciliation initiatives aimed at mending broken relationships.
- Security Reform: Emphasizing the need for proactive and intelligence-driven security, MSSN called for the overhaul of Nigeria’s current approach, including better funding, training, and accountability mechanisms.
- Policy Over Symbolism: While acknowledging ongoing relief efforts, MSSN pressed for comprehensive governance strategies to ensure such atrocities never recur.
A National Reckoning
The organization’s statement, rich in moral urgency, concluded with a powerful message to Nigeria’s leadership across all levels.
“To those in power, from the capital to rural councils: your response to this crisis will define your legacy,” the MSSN warned. “The blood spilled in Mangu cries out for justice, not press releases. We must replace empty gestures with meaningful action now.”
The MSSN reiterated that the path forward requires not just mourning, but a deep commitment to justice, protection of life, and the rebuilding of a truly united nation.
