Governor Uba Sani has expressed shock and deep sorrow at the news of the killing of 12 Kaduna State citizens in the troubled Mangun District of Mangu Local Government, Plateau State.

11 others sustained various degrees of injuries in the attack on innocent travellers, who met their deaths while travelling to Quan Pan Local Government of Plateau State for a wedding ceremony.

In a statement, Sani condemned the acts of savagery, adding that the perpetrators must be identified and dealt with accordingly.

"We call on security agencies to leave no stone unturned until these criminal elements are hunted down and brought to justice. We must put a stop to the nefarious activities of non-state actors. There is no justification for anybody to attack any citizen of Nigeria in any part of the country. This madness must stop. Enough is enough.

"I also call on the Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang to use this unfortunate incident to make a bold statement. He must take full charge of the situation and direct the operations of the security agencies until the murderers are brought to justice. I will personally follow up on the progress made in the investigations and field operations in search of the criminals. We must send a clear signal that impunity will no longer be tolerated," he said.

Sani urged the citizens of Kaduna State to remain calm, pointing out that all hands are on deck to ensure that the murdered citizens get justice.

"We have made remarkable progress in peacebuilding and conflict transformation in Kaduna State. The Kaduna Peace Model is a pointer to the fact that with political will, commitment and sincerity of purpose, a toxic environment can be turned to an "oasis of peace". The situation in Plateau State is not irredeemable. The bloodshed must stop.

"Our deepest condolences to the families of our citizens who lost their precious lives in Mangu Local Government. I am in touch with the families of the victims. We shall do all in our power to lessen their pains. We shall also ensure that the injured victims receive adequate medical attention. May the gentle souls of our departed citizens rest in perfect peace," he said.

ASA