Suspected gunmen believed to be Plateau militia have abducted 12 Islamic faithful traveling to Gaji village in Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area of the state for Maulud prayers.
According to intelligence sources quoted by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, on Tuesday, the abduction occurred on December 22, 2025.
It was reported that the victims were travelling in a vehicle to attend Maulud prayers when armed men intercepted them at the Bunyun axis of Wase LGA and took them to an unknown destination.
The scene of the incident was later visited by security operatives, while efforts were intensified to locate the abducted persons and identify those responsible.
The latest incident has rekindled painful memories of earlier attacks on travellers in Plateau State, particularly the June 2025 violence in Mangu Local Government Area, where at least 12 travellers from Basawa in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State lost their lives following a mob attack.
During that incident, an 18-seater bus belonging to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, which was conveying 31 passengers to a wedding ceremony, was attacked at about 8:00 p.m. 12 passengers were killed at the scene, while 11 others sustained injuries.
The attack sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for authorities to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice. However, no official update has since been provided on the case, with some reports suggesting that the suspects were later granted bail by the court.
Similarly, in August 2021, no fewer than 22 travelled returning from the commemoration of the Islamic New Year in Bauchi State were killed in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, underscoring a troubling pattern of violence against commuters.
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The latest abduction has heightened concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Plateau, particularly along inter-community and inter-state travel routes.
Meanwhile, Police said investigations were ongoing, assuring residents that all necessary measures were being taken to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons.
police source who spoke in condition of anonymity said, “Upon receipt of the report, a team of police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Bashar visited the scene of the incident, while efforts were intensified to rescue the victims and arrest the perpetrators.”