At least 28 travellers have been abducted by gunmen in Zak community, Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State, heightening concerns over the worsening security situation in the region.
According to PREMIUM TIMES, the victims, comprising men, women and children, were travelling from Zak village to Sabon Layi community on Sunday night to attend an Islamic event when they were attacked. The group reportedly included two princes and a religious leader who were leading the delegation.
The abduction was said to have occurred around 8:00pm on the outskirts of the community, where the travellers were ambushed by armed men. The assailants allegedly kidnapped all the passengers and abandoned their vehicle by the roadside before fleeing.
Residents became alarmed on Monday morning after passersby discovered the abandoned vehicle, which was reportedly owned by a community leader in Zak. A search was immediately initiated, and investigations later confirmed that the vehicle had been used to convey the abducted travellers.
Local sources said attempts by residents to trace the victims or establish contact with the abductors have so far been unsuccessful, prompting the notification of security agencies.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred, proved futile, as calls and text messages were not returned.
The incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks across Plateau State, including kidnapping, banditry and cattle rustling. On December 17, gunmen reportedly killed 12 people and abducted three others during an attack on miners in Fan community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. Earlier, on December 14, at least four children were said to have been killed in a reprisal attack in Dorong village, Foron district, also in Barkin Ladi.
Residents and community leaders have continued to call on authorities to strengthen security measures to curb the rising wave of violence and safeguard vulnerable communities across the state.
