The Plateau State Government has secured the release of 25 persons abducted on December 21, 2025, along the Zak Saban Layi axis of the Bashar District in Wase Local Government Area of the state.
The rescued victims were received at the Government House in Jos on Saturday, January 10, 2026, by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Architect Samuel Jatau, who announced their safe recovery following sustained efforts by security agencies.
According to the SSG, the victims were travelling as a group to attend Molu celebrations when they were intercepted around 7:00 p.m. by kidnappers who disguised themselves as vigilante operatives conducting routine checks along the road. The attackers subsequently abducted them and took them to an undisclosed location.
Jatau clarified conflicting reports on the number of abducted persons, explaining that while some media reports indicated that 28 persons were kidnapped, only 25 were actually taken hostage.
“Twenty-five abducted children from Wase have been returned safely. Though in the media it has been reported that they were 28, what actually happened is that they were travelling as 28 persons. At the point of abduction, three of them escaped and were not kidnapped. This means only 25 were abducted, and all 25 are today hale and hearty and here with us,” Jatau said.
He added that since the incident, the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, had worked tirelessly throughout the Christmas period to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.
“I am happy to inform the public that the security agencies have successfully tracked and rescued all 25 victims. They are all hale and hearty,” he said.
The SSG disclosed that the rescued persons comprise 19 males and six females, all of whom have undergone medical examinations and were found to be in stable condition, aside from minor sores and injuries sustained during movement in captivity.
He advised the Wase Local Government Council to ensure continued medical and psychological follow-up for the victims upon their return, noting the need to address possible trauma arising from the ordeal.
Jatau commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies for their professionalism and dedication, describing their recent operations across the state as commendable. He assured that the state government would continue to provide necessary support to security agencies to enhance safety across Plateau State.
He further announced that the Desk Officer, Mr. Zuberu Abubakar, would officially hand over the rescued victims to the Wase Local Government Council for reunification with their families, adding that the state government would also provide support to aid their reintegration.
One of the rescued victims, Usaini Musa, who spoke on behalf of others, expressed gratitude to the Plateau State Government and security agencies for their swift response and successful rescue after weeks in captivity.
Also present at the event were the Plateau State Commissioners for Health and Women Affairs, as well as representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
