Militia abduct 12 worshippers en route to Maulud prayers in Plateau

Suspected militia members in Plateau State have abducted 12 Islamic faithful who were travelling to Gaji village in the Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area to attend Maulud prayers, raising fresh concerns over the safety of travellers in the state.

According to reports, the abduction was reported on December 22 by a resident of Zak village in Wase LGA.

Sources said the victims were travelling in a vehicle to attend the religious gathering when armed men intercepted them at the Bunyun axis of Wase LGA and whisked them away to an unknown location.

Security operatives later visited the scene, while efforts were intensified to trace the abducted persons and identify those behind the attack.

The incident has revived memories of previous attacks on travellers in Plateau State.

In June 2025, at least 12 travellers from Basawa in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State were killed in Mangu LGA when an 18-seater bus belonging to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, conveying 31 passengers to a wedding ceremony, was attacked at about 8:00 p.m. Eleven others sustained injuries in the incident.

That attack sparked nationwide condemnation and calls for justice, though reports suggest the case has yet to reach a clear conclusion, with claims that some suspects were granted bail.

Similarly, in August 2021, no fewer than 22 travellers returning from the Islamic New Year celebration in Bauchi State were killed in Jos North Local Government Area, highlighting a recurring pattern of violence against commuters.

The latest abduction has heightened fears over the deteriorating security situation along inter-community and inter-state travel routes in Plateau State, particularly for religious travellers.

Meanwhile, police authorities said investigations are ongoing and assured residents that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safe return of the abducted worshippers.

“Upon receipt of the report, a team of police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Bashar visited the scene, and efforts have been intensified to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators,” a police source said.