28 Abducted by Gunmen En Route to Maulud Gathering in Plateau State

At least 28 people were abducted by gunmen while travelling to a Maulud gathering in Zak village, Bashar District, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State. The attack occurred on Sunday night when the assailants intercepted a vehicle carrying the travellers and took all occupants into the bush, leaving the vehicle behind.

Shafi’i Sambo, a youth leader in Wase, told journalists that the victims included men, women, and children. Among those kidnapped were two children of traditional rulers and a religious leader who was leading the group to the Maulud event. “The incident happened at about 8:00 p.m. when they were on their way to Sabon Layi for the Maulud gathering. The gunmen stopped the vehicle near the village and took everyone inside, including women and children, and abandoned the vehicle there,” Sambo said.

The abandoned vehicle, belonging to the village head of Zak, was discovered early Monday morning by other road users. Ibrahim Musa, a resident of Bashar, said the whereabouts of the abducted travellers remain unknown. Sambo added that community efforts to locate the victims had so far been unsuccessful and that security agencies had been informed.

SP Alabo Alfred, the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the report, stating that the command was aware of the incident and had begun an investigation. Residents of Wase expressed deep concern over rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, and cattle rustling, urging security agencies to take decisive action to protect lives and restore peace.