At least 28 people were abducted by gunmen while traveling to a Maulud gathering in Zak village, Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Sunday night. The victims, including men, women, and children, were reportedly intercepted near the village and forced into the bush, leaving their vehicle behind.
The vehicle, which belongs to the village head of Zak, was discovered early Monday morning by road users passing through the area, highlighting the sudden and violent nature of the attack.
A youth leader in Wase, Shafi’i Sambo, told journalists that the abducted group included two children of traditional rulers and a religious leader who was guiding the travelers to the Maulud event in Sabon Layi.
“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.
Residents of the area have expressed deep concern over the attack, describing it as another example of the rising insecurity in rural parts of Plateau State.
A resident of Bashar, Ibrahim Musa, said the whereabouts of the abducted travelers remain unknown. He noted that community efforts to locate the victims have so far been unsuccessful, and there is growing fear among villagers about the safety of people traveling in the area.
Sambo confirmed that the community has informed security agencies of the incident and is seeking urgent assistance.
The Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Alabo Alfred, confirmed that the police command was aware of the report and has commenced an investigation into the kidnapping.
“The police have been informed of the incident and are currently working to trace the abducted individuals and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Alfred said.
Residents of Wase and surrounding communities have raised concerns about the growing trend of kidnapping, banditry, and cattle rustling in the area. Bashar District, like other rural areas of Plateau State, has become increasingly vulnerable to attacks by armed groups who often target travelers and isolated communities.
Plateau State has witnessed several incidents of kidnapping and armed attacks in recent years. These incidents often target travelers, religious gatherings, and rural farmers, creating fear and insecurity in many communities.
For example, in December 2025, several cases of bandit attacks and abductions were reported across Bokkos, Guma, and Wase LGAs, prompting calls from community leaders for stronger police presence and proactive security measures.
The recent attack is particularly worrying because it involved vulnerable groups, including children and a religious leader. The involvement of children of traditional rulers underscores the indiscriminate nature of these attacks, which now threaten people from all walks of life, including respected community figures.
The kidnapping of the religious leader also raises concerns about the safety of citizens attending community and religious events, such as Maulud gatherings, which are important for social and spiritual cohesion.
Community leaders and residents have urged security agencies to take decisive action to protect lives and restore peace in Wase LGA. They emphasized the need for increased patrols, intelligence gathering, and collaboration between the police, military, and local vigilante groups to prevent further incidents.
Shafi’i Sambo, the youth leader, said, “The community is worried about the rising insecurity in Bashar and surrounding villages. We appeal to the authorities to act swiftly and ensure that the abducted people are safely released.”
The Plateau State Police Command has assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to locate the abducted victims and apprehend the suspects. SP Alabo Alfred stated that police patrols have been intensified in the area and that investigations are ongoing.