The Plateau State Government has rescued 25 victims of kidnapping, mostly children, and handed them over to the Wase Local Government Council for reunification with their families.
The victims were abducted along the Zak–Sabon Layi Road in Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area while traveling for a Maulud celebration.
Briefing journalists during the handover ceremony, the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, expressed regret over the incident but thanked God for the safe rescue of the victims. He commended operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) for what he described as their painstaking, professional, and coordinated efforts that led to the successful operation.
Arc. Jatau disclosed that the victims—six females and 19 males—were kidnapped on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at about 7:00 p.m. He explained that the abductors disguised themselves as vigilante operatives and mounted a fake roadblock, pretending to conduct routine security checks before intercepting the victims, who were traveling on tricycles.
According to him, after the initial stop and search, the criminals took the victims to an unknown destination. He noted, however, that sustained pressure and intelligence-driven operations by the DSS, with the full backing of the Plateau State Government, culminated in their rescue on Friday, January 9, 2026.
The SGS appreciated the DSS and other security agencies for their dedication and sacrifices, assuring them of the state government’s continued support to strengthen security operations across the state.
Arc. Jatau reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to ensuring a peaceful, safe, and inclusive Plateau State for all residents, regardless of tribe, religion, or background.
He added that the state government, working through the Wase Local Government Council, would provide necessary assistance to the affected families to support the victims’ recovery from the psychological trauma experienced during their captivity.
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