Gunmen who abducted 28 travellers, including women and children, in Plateau State have demanded a total ransom of ₦42 million for their release, insisting on ₦1.5 million per victim.
The travellers were seized on Sunday night in Zak community, Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area, while on their way to attend a Maulud religious gathering in Sabon Layi community.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the assailants ambushed the vehicle conveying the victims, whisked them away into the bush and abandoned the vehicle at the scene.
A relative of one of the abducted travellers, Ibrahim Musa, confirmed on Tuesday that the kidnappers had contacted the families, assuring them that the victims were alive but demanding full payment before any release.
“They called last night and said all our people arrived safely at their camp. They demanded ₦1.5 million for each person—children, women, everyone,” Musa said.
He added that families had pleaded with the kidnappers to reduce the ransom, explaining that most of the victims were villagers who could not raise such an amount.
“We told them we are poor people. Many of those taken are teenagers and their parents are struggling farmers. We begged them to show mercy,” he said.
Musa said the kidnappers, however, insisted on the amount, saying payment was the only condition for release.
When contacted, the Plateau State Police Command confirmed awareness of the incident, saying investigations were ongoing.
Residents of Wase Local Government Area expressed growing fear over the worsening security situation, calling on the Federal and Plateau State governments to deploy more security personnel to the area.
They said kidnapping, banditry and cattle rustling had become frequent along rural roads in the council area, with travellers increasingly becoming targets.
“This has gone beyond isolated incidents. Our communities are no longer safe,” a community leader said.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that Wase and other rural communities in Plateau have recorded repeated attacks in recent months, despite security assurances by authorities.
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