Gunmen Abduct 28 Travellers Heading to Islamic Event in Central Nigeria

At least 28 travellers have been abducted by gunmen in Nigeria’s central Plateau State, raising fresh concerns over insecurity along rural transport routes. The victims were reportedly on their way to attend an annual Islamic event when their vehicle was ambushed by armed attackers.

The incident occurred on Sunday night along a remote road linking Zak village to the Sabon Layi community in the Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area. According to local sources, the travellers among them men, women and children were travelling in a bus when gunmen intercepted the vehicle, forced passengers out at gunpoint and took them into nearby bushes.
Residents discovered the abandoned bus by the roadside the following morning, triggering alarm within the community. Among those abducted were said to be a prominent religious leader and two traditional princes who were part of the delegation travelling to the religious gathering.

Families of the victims have reportedly begun receiving ransom demands from the kidnappers, though details of the amount demanded remain unclear. Under Nigerian law, the payment of ransom is prohibited, but kidnapping for ransom has continued to thrive in several parts of the country, driven by weak enforcement and difficult terrain that often hampers security operations.

The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the abduction and said investigations are ongoing. Security personnel have been deployed to the area, with efforts underway to track the perpetrators and secure the release of the victims. Authorities have also appealed to the public for useful information that could aid rescue operations.

The abduction highlights the persistent security challenges facing Nigeria’s central and northern regions, where armed criminal groups frequently target travellers, communities and public transport. Despite repeated assurances from authorities, kidnappings remain a major threat, particularly on isolated roads.
As families wait anxiously for news of their loved ones, the incident has renewed calls for stronger security presence, improved intelligence gathering and safer transport corridors to protect civilians travelling for religious, cultural and social activities.