At least 28 travelers, including men, women, and children, were kidnapped by gunmen on Sunday night in Zak community, located in the Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The abduction occurred around 8 p.m. as the group was travelling from Zak village to Sabon Layi community to attend an Islamic event, according to local sources.
Youth leader Sapi’i Sambo confirmed the incident to *Premium Times* on Monday, stating that among those taken were two princes and a religious leader who were heading the delegation.
“The gunmen ambushed their vehicle at the outskirts of the community, abducted all the passengers, including children, and abandoned the vehicle by the roadside,” Sambo explained.
The abandoned vehicle, belonging to a community leader from Zak, was discovered on Monday morning by other road users, raising alarm among residents.
“It was during investigations that the community realised the vehicle was the one conveying the abducted travellers,” Sambo added.
Local resident Ibrahim Musa also confirmed the incident, noting that the whereabouts of the victims remain unknown as of Monday.
Sambo said community efforts to locate the victims have so far been unsuccessful, though security agencies have been notified.
When contacted, Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, stated that the police are investigating the report.
Wase and neighbouring communities have experienced frequent incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and cattle rustling in recent years, with residents repeatedly calling for enhanced security operations to dismantle criminal networks operating in the area.
The latest abduction underscores the persistent insecurity in parts of Plateau State, despite ongoing military and police deployments.