Uba Sani is committed to ensuring the victims get justice, writes ACHALLA JOROME

On June 24, 2025, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State led a delegation to Unguwan Dantsoho in Kudan Local Government Area to offer condolences to the families of 12 individuals brutally murdered in Mangu, Plateau State, while traveling to a wedding ceremony in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area. This tragic incident, which also left several others injured, shocked the nation, bringing to the fore the persistent challenges of communal violence and insecurity in the country. Governor Sani’s visit, accompanied by senior government officials and former Governor Mukhhtar Ramalan Yero, was not merely a ceremonial gesture but a profound demonstration of empathy, accountability, and servant leadership.

For the record, the attack on the wedding guests occurred on June 20, 2025, in the Mangun District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State. The victims, all from Kudan LGA in Kaduna State, were part of a group of 31 travelers, including men, women, and children, aboard an 18-seater bus belonging to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. Reports indicate that the group, en route to a relative’s wedding, was ambushed after they reportedly lost their way and had to stop for directions in Mangun village. The attackers killed 12 individuals, while 11 others sustaining injuries. This act of violence, described by Governor Sani as “barbaric” and an “act of savagery,” highlighted the fragile nature of inter-communal relations in parts of Nigeria, particularly in Plateau State, which has a history of ethno-religious conflicts in recent times.

The incident provoked outrage and grief, not only among the victims’ families but across Kaduna State and beyond. The loss of innocent lives, particularly in such a brutal manner, posed a significant challenge to regional stability and communal harmony. And Governor Uba Sani’s response, including his condolence visit, has been very critical, demonstrating leadership, fostering unity, and addressing the immediate needs of the affected families while working toward justice and long-term peace.

Uba Sani’s visit to Unguwan Dantsoho was a deliberate, intentional and multifaceted act of leadership, encompassing condolence, reassurance, and a commitment to justice. The visit was part of a series of actions taken by the governor in response to the tragedy. Prior to the visit, he had sent a delegation led by the Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, Dr. AbdulKadir Muazu Meyere, to console the families immediately after the incident. He also visited survivors receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna, ensuring that the state government assumed full responsibility for their medical care and psychosocial support. The visit itself was marked by several key elements. First, Governor Uba Sani personally led the delegation, signaling his direct involvement and emotional investment in the plight of the bereaved families. During the visit, he prayed for the souls of the deceased, offered support to the families, and expressed solidarity, wishing them strength to cope with their loss. This personal touch was significant, as it demonstrated that the governor was not detached from the pain of his people but shared in their grief.

Second, the governor reiterated his resolve to ensure that the perpetrators faced the full force of the law. He confirmed that 22 suspects had been arrested in connection with the killings and emphasized ongoing collaboration with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, President Bola Tinubu, and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to bring all culprits to justice. This commitment must not only be seen as a promise to the families but also a broader message to deter future acts of violence.

Third, Governor Uba Sani commended the Kudan community for maintaining peace and refraining from retaliatory actions, despite the provocation. He highlighted the harmonious coexistence between Christians and Muslims in the area, as affirmed by the local Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) chairman, who described Kudan as a united family. This acknowledgment reinforced the importance of interfaith and interethnic harmony, aligning with the governor’s “Kaduna Peace Model,” which has been credited with maintaining peace in Kaduna State for over two years now.

 Fourth, to support the community’s resilience and promote development, the governor announced plans to construct a road from Kudan to Basawa in Sabon Gari LGA and build a modern hospital in the area. These projects were framed as rewards for the community’s peaceful disposition, illustrating a proactive approach to governance that links peace-building with tangible development outcomes.

Fifth, at the heart of Uba Sani’s response was empathy, a cornerstone of servant leadership. Servant leadership, as conceptualized by Robert K. Greenleaf, prioritizes the needs of others, particularly those being served, above the leader’s own interests. It emphasizes listening, empathy, healing, and a commitment to the growth and well-being of individuals and communities. Governor Uba Sani’s actions embodied these principles in several ways.

The visit to the families in Unguwan Dantsoho and the survivors in the hospital is a demonstration of a willingness to listen to their experiences and bear witness to their pain. His interactions with the survivors, where they narrated their harrowing ordeal, allowed him to connect with their suffering on a personal level. This act of presence is a powerful form of empathy, signaling to the community that their leader is attuned to their needs and willing to share in their grief.

The demonstration of empathy in servant leadership extends beyond emotional connection to tangible actions that promote healing. Governor Sani’s assurance that the Kaduna State Government would cover medical and psychosocial support for the survivors addressed both their physical and emotional wounds. By committing to the burial of the deceased in accordance with their faith, he respected their cultural and religious sensitivities, further fostering trust and healing.

His declaration of pursuit of justice for the victims was not only a legal obligation but also an empathetic response to the families’ need for closure and accountability. The vow to “leave no stone unturned” and his collaboration with federal and Plateau State authorities, spoke to a deep understanding of the families’ desire for justice. This commitment certainly helped restore faith in governance and mitigated the risk of retaliatory violence.

His public praise of the Kudan community for their restraint and announcing development projects, clearly imbued the community with power to see themselves as agents of peace and progress. This approach aligns with the governor’s focus on community-building and empowerment, reinforcing the idea that peace is a collective responsibility.

No doubt, Governor Sani’s condolence visit has significant implications for governance and peace building in Nigeria, particularly in regions plagued by communal violence. His actions highlight several key lessons. The visit was a symbolic act that carried profound meaning for the affected families and the broader public. It demonstrated that the government values every citizen’s life, regardless of their background, and is willing to engage directly with communities in times of crisis. This contrasts sharply with past leadership failures, as noted in a 2023 commentary on Governor Sani’s response to the Tudun Biri crisis, where his empathy was praised as a departure from the indifference of previous administrations.

Governor Uba Sani’s call for governors to uphold the constitutional right to freedom of movement underscored the need for inclusive governance. By emphasizing that no Nigerian should be attacked or profiled based on their origin, he has challenged the ethno-religious divisions that often fuel violence in Nigeria. This stance positions him as a leader committed to national unity and constitutional principles.

Above all, Governor Sani’s reference to the “Kaduna Peace Model” is a testament to the power of political will in transforming conflict-ridden environments. It offers a potential blueprint for other states, including Plateau. His success in maintaining peace in Kaduna for two years, despite its diversity, suggests that empathy-driven leadership, combined with strategic interventions, can yield sustainable results. His appeal for calm and his commendation of the Kudan community’s restraint helped prevent retaliatory violence, which could have escalated the conflict. His engagement with local leaders, including the CAN chairman, reinforced trust in governance and interfaith harmony, critical for long-term stability.

Jorome, a Pharmacist, writes from Abuja