The House of Representatives has called on Nigeria’s security agencies to urgently rescue 28 travellers, including 25 children, who were abducted by suspected bandits in the Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The call followed a motion raised on Tuesday during plenary by Ahmed Idris Wase, who drew attention to the worsening security situation in his constituency and the increasing threats to rural communities.
Details of the Abduction
According to the motion, the victims, a group consisting of 25 children, a teacher, and a tricycle rider, were travelling along the Zak, Sabon-Layin Gaji road in Bashar District to attend a Maulud, Islamic birth celebration, in Sabon-Layin Gaji village when the attack occurred.
Wase informed the House that the incident took place on Sunday, December 21, when armed bandits ambushed the travellers and forced them into the surrounding forest. The attackers abandoned the tricycle at the scene, alongside the children’s footwear, highlighting the fear and vulnerability experienced by the victims during the attack.
The lawmaker warned that the dense forest terrain in the area presents a major challenge to conventional security operations, limiting effective patrols, aerial surveillance, and rapid response. He urged the military, police, and other security agencies to deploy intelligence-led operations and specialised tactics to ensure the immediate and safe rescue of the abducted travellers.
Ransom Demand
The abductors have reportedly contacted the victims’ families, demanding N1.5 million per person, bringing the total ransom demand to N42 million.
A relative of one of the victims, Ibrahim Musa, confirmed that the kidnappers reached out on Monday night. He said, “The kidnappers called me last night and said we must pay N1.5 million for each person, regardless of age or gender. But they assured us that our people are in good hands and nothing will happen to them.”
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the abduction, stating that investigations have been launched and all efforts are being made to rescue the victims. Muhammed Hamisu, Chairman of Wase Local Government Area, said that security forces, including soldiers and helicopters, have been deployed to track the kidnappers and locate the abducted travellers.
“By the special grace of God, they will be rescued,” Hamisu said, adding that authorities are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the safety of the victims.
The abduction has heightened fears about the security situation in Plateau State, particularly in rural communities where banditry has become a persistent threat. Lawmakers, community leaders, and residents are calling for urgent and coordinated measures to tackle the menace and protect vulnerable populations, especially children.
Families of the abducted travellers remain anxious, praying for their safe return while appealing to government authorities to intensify efforts against banditry. The incident underscores the urgent need for sustained security measures, proactive intelligence operations, and community support mechanisms to prevent such attacks in the future.
As the situation unfolds, the nation waits anxiously for news of the safe release of the victims and for decisive action to prevent further attacks.
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