By Israel Adamu, Jos
No fewer than 28 travelers were abducted on Sunday night in Zak community, Bashar District, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, raising renewed concerns over insecurity in the area. The victims, comprising men, women, and children, were reportedly traveling from Zak village to Sabon Layi community to attend a Maulud religious event when gunmen intercepted their vehicle.Confirming the incident in a telephone interview, a youth leader in Wase, Sapi’i Sambo, said the abduction occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Sunday at the outskirts of the community.According to Sambo, the attackers ambushed the vehicle conveying the travelers, forcefully took all occupants away, and abandoned the vehicle by the roadside.“The victims included two princes and a religious leader who was leading the journey. The gunmen took everyone, including children, and left the vehicle behind,” he said.
Another resident of Bashar town, Ibrahim Musa, also confirmed the incident, noting that the whereabouts of the abducted travelers remain unknown as of Monday.Sambo explained that the incident came to light on Monday morning when other road users discovered the abandoned vehicle, which was later identified as belonging to the Zak community leader.“ It was after people saw the abandoned vehicle on the road that investigations began, and it was discovered that it was the same vehicle conveying the travelers to the Maulud event,” he added. He said efforts by the community to trace the victims had so far proved unsuccessful, prompting them to alert security agencies about the development.
When contacted, the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, SP Alabo Alfred, confirmed that the police were aware of the report and had commenced investigations into the incident. Residents of Wase Local Government Area say kidnapping, banditry, and cattle rustling have become increasingly frequent, particularly in remote communities.They are calling on security agencies to intensify patrols and flush out criminal elements operating within the area to prevent further attacks and restore public confidence.The latest abduction adds to growing security challenges in Plateau State and underscores persistent calls for stronger security interventions to protect lives and property in rural communities.
