At least 28 travelers have been abducted by gunmen in Zak community, Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, underscoring the fact that terror in the region is still far from over.

A youth leader in Wase, Sapi’i Sambo, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview on Monday, stating that the victims included men, women, and children.

Another resident of Bashar town, Ibrahim Musa, also corroborated the incident, noting that the whereabouts of the abducted travelers remained unknown as of the time of the interview.

According to Sambo, the abduction occurred on Sunday night as the travelers were journeying from Zak village to Sabon Layi community to attend an Islamic event.

He said the group was led by two princes and a religious leader, all of whom were among those taken.

“The incident happened around 8 p.m. when they were heading to Sabon Layi for the event. The gunmen ambushed their vehicle at the outskirts of the community, abducted all the passengers, including children, and abandoned the vehicle by the roadside,” he explained.

The abandoned vehicle, belonging to a community leader in Zak, was discovered on Monday morning by other road users.

The discovery immediately raised alarm and prompted residents to begin inquiries and search efforts. “It was during investigations that the community realised the vehicle was the one conveying the abducted travelers,” Sambo added.

Rising Insecurity in Wase and Surrounding Communities

Sambo said efforts by community members to trace the victims had so far been unsuccessful, noting that security agencies had since been notified of the incident.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, confirmed that the police were aware of the report and had commenced investigations.

Incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and cattle rustling have been frequent in Wase and surrounding communities in recent years.

Residents have repeatedly called on security agencies to intensify operations against criminal groups operating across the area, as fears continue to grow over the safety of travelers and rural communities.