The families of 28 travellers abducted in Plateau State have been given an ultimatum by their captors: pay N1.5 million for each person within 24 hours, or the victims will be killed.
The kidnappings occurred on Sunday, December 21, 2025, in Zak community, located in the Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area. The victims, including men, women, and children, were travelling to attend a Maulud Nabbiy celebration when they were ambushed by armed gunmen.
Family members of the abductees confirmed that the kidnappers later contacted them, demanding the ransom before the captives could be released. One relative, who preferred to remain unnamed, said the family had explained that they were poor farmers and could not afford such a sum, but the gunmen refused to lower their demand.
One week after the initial abduction, the kidnappers intensified their threats. They insisted that the ransom must be paid within 24 hours or the hostages would be executed. Another relative of a victim, Ibrahim Musa, told newsmen that the kidnappers became more aggressive after the Chairman of Wase Local Government Area, Muhammed Hamisu, ordered security agencies to take immediate action to rescue the victims.
“After the kidnappers stopped calling for a few days, they called again on Sunday and said they had seen helicopters flying in the bush and searching for the victims,” Musa said. “They told us they will kill our relatives if the ransom is not paid within 24 hours. At the moment, we don’t know what to do. We are pleading with the government to come to our aid as we are poor people and cannot possibly raise such an amount within the period they have given us.”
The kidnappers’ threats come amid a growing concern about security in Plateau State and other parts of northern Nigeria. Kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly common, targeting travellers, schoolchildren, traders, and even entire communities. These incidents often leave families terrified and struggling to meet impossible ransom demands, while security agencies face challenges tracking armed gangs in remote areas.
In response to the Wase kidnappings, the Plateau State Police Command, led by DSP Alfred Alabo, said a combined team of soldiers and police officers has been mobilised to the area. Helicopters have also been deployed to search for the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.
“The security agencies are doing everything possible to rescue the abductees and arrest those responsible,” Alabo said. “We urge the families and residents to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities, as any attempt to negotiate directly with the kidnappers could jeopardise the rescue operation.”
Residents of Zak community expressed fear and frustration over the rising wave of kidnappings in the area. Many said they live in constant anxiety when travelling or carrying out daily activities, especially along highways and rural roads. Local leaders have repeatedly called on government authorities to strengthen security and improve intelligence gathering to prevent such incidents.
Ibrahim Musa, a relative of one of the abducted travellers, appealed to the Federal and State Governments to intervene immediately. “We are poor farmers. How can we raise N1.5 million per person? We are asking the government to come to our aid,” he said.
In Plateau State, authorities have been implementing various strategies to curb abductions, including joint patrols, mobile security checkpoints, and community policing initiatives. The government has also encouraged citizens to report suspicious movements and provide intelligence that could help prevent kidnappings.
The Plateau State government, under the leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has previously promised to enhance security in rural areas prone to abduction. Measures include the recruitment and training of local vigilante groups, increased patrols by the Nigeria Police Force, and collaboration with military units to track criminal gangs.
While the security agencies continue their search for the victims, families remain anxious and fearful for the lives of their loved ones. Many have resorted to prayers, community vigils, and appeals through the media to pressure the authorities into swift action.
Kidnappings for ransom not only threaten the safety of individuals but also disrupt economic activities, social events, and communal life. For residents of Zak and surrounding communities, the recent abduction has created a climate of fear, especially as the victims were on their way to participate in a religious celebration.
The incident highlights the growing challenge of ensuring safety along rural and interstate travel routes in northern Nigeria. Analysts warn that without improved security, these criminal activities may continue to escalate, affecting more communities and families.
Authorities have also appealed to the media to report responsibly on kidnappings, urging journalists to avoid sensationalism that could endanger the victims or compromise rescue operations. Public cooperation is critical, they said, for successful interventions.
As the 24-hour deadline approaches, families of the 28 abducted travellers are left in a state of uncertainty, relying heavily on government intervention and the coordinated efforts of security agencies. They continue to plead for urgent action to ensure the safe release of their loved ones.