JOS, Nigeria — Suspected militia members in Plateau State abducted 12 people late on Sunday night while they were travelling to attend Maulud prayers in Gaji village, in Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area, according to local residents and security sources.
The abduction was reported on Monday, December 22, 2025, by a resident of Zak village in Wase Local Government Area, who said the incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 21.
According to the account, the victims were travelling in a vehicle en route to Gaji village for Maulud prayers when armed men intercepted them along the Bunyun axis of Wase Local Government Area and took them to an unknown location.
Security operatives later visited the scene of the abduction, and efforts were intensified to locate the missing travellers and identify those responsible, according to the sources.
Police said investigations were underway and assured residents that measures had been taken to secure the release of the abducted persons.
“Upon receipt of the report, a team of police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer in Bashar visited the scene of the incident, while efforts were intensified to rescue the victims and arrest the perpetrators,” a police source said.
The abduction has renewed public concern over repeated attacks on travellers in Plateau State.
In June 2025, at least 12 travellers from Basawa in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State were killed in Mangu Local Government Area after an 18-seater bus belonging to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, was attacked at about 8:00 p.m. while conveying passengers to a wedding ceremony.
Eleven other passengers were injured in that incident.
Earlier, in August 2021, at least 22 travellers returning from the commemoration of the Islamic New Year in Bauchi State were killed in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Authorities have not yet announced any arrests in connection with the latest abduction.
