Gunmen Abduct ’28 Travellers’ in Plateau

Gunmen have reportedly abducted 28 travellers in Zak community, Bashar district, in the Wase LGA of Plateau state.

According to PREMIUM TIMES, the victims, including men, women, and children, were travelling from Zak village to Sabon Layi community on Sunday night to attend an Islamic event, when they were attacked.

The report said two princes and a religious leader leading the delegation were among those kidnapped.

According to the newspaper, the attack occurred around 8pm when the travellers were ambushed on the outskirts of the community.

The gunmen reportedly abducted all the passengers and abandoned their vehicle by the roadside.

The abandoned vehicle, said to belong to a community leader in Zak, was discovered by other road users on Monday morning, triggering concern and a search by residents.

The report added that it was during investigations that the community realised the vehicle was conveying the abducted travellers, noting that efforts by residents to trace the victims have been unsuccessful.

It said security agencies have been notified of the incident.

Meanwhile, efforts made to reach Alabo Alfred, police spokesperson in the state, were unsuccessful as he was unresponsive to calls and text messages.

There has been a spike in kidnapping, banditry and cattle rustling in the state in recent months.

On December 17, gunmen killed 12 persons and abducted three others, following an attack on miners in the Fan community of Barkin Ladi LGA in the state.

On December 14, at least four children were reportedly killed in a reprisal attack in Dorong village, Foron district of Barkin Ladi LGA of the state.