Plateau kidnapping crisis has taken a deadly turn as gunmen holding 28 travellers issued a 24-hour ultimatum to their families to pay ransom or face executions. The victims were abducted in Plateau State while travelling to attend a religious event.
The kidnapping occurred on Sunday, December 21, in the Zak community of Bashar district, Wase Local Government Area. Armed men intercepted the travellers, including men, women, and children, as they headed to a Maulud Nabbiy celebration. The group was taken into the surrounding bush, triggering panic among relatives.
Family members said the abductors later contacted them, demanding N1.5 million for each captive as the price for release. Relatives reportedly explained they were subsistence farmers and could not raise such funds. The pleas were rejected.
One week later, the kidnappers reportedly hardened their stance. They warned that if the money is not paid within 24 hours, all captives would be killed. A relative of one of the victims, Ibrahim Musa, said the renewed threat followed increased security activity in the area.
According to Musa, the chairman of Wase Local Government Area, Muhammed Hamisu, had directed security agencies to intensify rescue efforts. Shortly after, soldiers and police were deployed, alongside aerial surveillance using helicopters.
Musa said the kidnappers complained about helicopters hovering over the forest and accused authorities of trying to locate them. He explained that this appeared to anger the abductors, who then renewed contact with the families and issued the deadly ultimatum.
“They told us they saw helicopters searching the bush,” Musa said, adding that the threat to kill the captives was repeated during the call.
Police spokesperson DSP Alfred Alabo confirmed that a joint security operation is underway to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible. Meanwhile, families say they are helpless and appealing to the government for urgent intervention.
The unfolding Plateau kidnapping crisis has heightened fears in the region, as communities anxiously await the outcome of the rescue operation.
