Gunmen have reportedly abducted at least 28 travellers in Zak community, Bashar district, of Wase Local Government Area in Plateau State, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in the region.
According to PREMIUM TIMES, the victims—men, women and children—were travelling from Zak village to the Sabon Layi community on Sunday night to attend an Islamic event when they were attacked. The group was said to include two princes and a religious leader who were leading the delegation.
The attack reportedly occurred around 8:00pm on the outskirts of the community, where the travellers were ambushed by armed men. The gunmen allegedly abducted all the passengers and abandoned their vehicle by the roadside before fleeing the area.
Residents became alarmed on Monday morning after other road users discovered the abandoned vehicle, which was said to belong to a community leader in Zak. A search was immediately launched, and investigations later revealed that the vehicle had been conveying the abducted travellers.
Local sources said efforts by residents to trace the victims or establish contact with the abductors have so far proved unsuccessful. Security agencies have since been notified of the incident.
Attempts to reach the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred, for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages went unanswered.
The abduction adds to a recent surge in violent crimes 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. Days 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 for stronger security measures to stem the growing wave of violence and protect vulnerable communities across the state