December 24, 2025 | SUNTV Global Channel
The House of Representatives has urged Nigeria’s security agencies to immediately swing into action to rescue 28 travellers, including 25 children, who were abducted by suspected bandits in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The call followed a motion raised on Tuesday during plenary by a lawmaker from the area, Ahmed Idris Wase, who expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in his constituency and the increasing danger faced by rural communities.
According to the motion, the victims — 25 children, a teacher and a tricycle rider — were kidnapped along the Zak–Sabon-Layin Gaji road in Bashar District while travelling to attend a Maulud celebration (Islamic birth celebration) in Sabon-Layin Gaji village.
Wase informed the House that the incident occurred on Sunday, December 21, when armed bandits ambushed the travellers and forced them into the surrounding forest. The attackers reportedly abandoned the tricycle used for the journey, as well as the children’s footwear, at the scene — a grim reminder of the panic and helplessness that marked the attack.
The lawmaker warned that the dense forest terrain in the area has continued to hinder effective security operations, making patrols, aerial surveillance and rapid response extremely difficult.
He therefore called on the military, police and other security agencies to deploy special tactics and intelligence-driven operations to ensure the safe and immediate rescue of the abducted victims.
Meanwhile, the abductors have reportedly reached out to the victims’ families, demanding a ransom of ₦1.5 million per person, bringing the total ransom demand to ₦42 million.
A relative of one of the victims, Ibrahim Musa, confirmed the contact, saying the kidnappers called on Monday night.
“They told us we must pay ₦1.5 million for each person, no matter the age or gender. They also claimed that our people are safe and in good condition,” he said.
The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the abduction, noting that investigations are ongoing and efforts are being intensified to rescue the victims.
Also speaking on the situation, the Chairman of Wase Local Government Area, Muhammed Hamisu, disclosed that security forces, including soldiers and helicopters, have been deployed to track the kidnappers and locate the victims.
“By the special grace of God, they will be rescued,” Hamisu said.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and bring updates on the rescue efforts and security situation in Plateau State.
