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From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
The Plateau State Government has handed over 25 kidnapped travellers to the Wase Local Government Council for onward reunion with their families.
In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the government stated that the victims were rescued in collaboration with security agencies.
The victims were abducted along the Zak–Sabon Layi Road in Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area.
Briefing journalists during the handover ceremony, the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, expressed deep regret over the unfortunate incident but thanked God for the safe rescue of the victims. He also commended the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) for their painstaking and professional efforts that led to the successful rescue.
Jatau disclosed that the victims, comprising six females and nineteen males, were kidnapped on Sunday, 21 December 2025, at about 7:00 pm, while travelling for a Maulud celebration. He explained that the kidnappers, who disguised themselves as vigilante operatives, mounted a fake roadblock under the guise of conducting routine security checks and intercepted the victims who were travelling on tricycles.
According to him, after stopping the victims for what appeared to be a normal search, the criminals whisked them away to an unknown destination. However, sustained pressure and coordinated efforts by the DSS, with the full support of the Plateau State Government, led to their rescue on Friday, 9 January 2026.
The SGS appreciated the DSS and other security agencies for their selfless service and sacrifices, assuring them of the state government’s continued support to enhance smooth operations aimed at safeguarding lives and property across Plateau State.
Jatau reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, to providing a peaceful, safe, and inclusive environment for all residents of the state, irrespective of tribe, religion, or regional background.
He further stated that the state government, through the Wase Local Government Council, would provide necessary support to the affected families to help the victims recover from the psychological trauma they experienced during their captivity.
