Bandits Strike Again As 28 Travellers Seized In Plateau

Night Ambush in Zak Community

GUNMEN have abducted 28 travellers in Zak community, Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, in a late-night attack that has heightened fears over worsening insecurity in the area.

A youth leader in Wase, Sapi’i Sambo, confirmed the incident on Monday, stating that the victims included men, women and children. He said the travellers were ambushed on Sunday night while heading from Zak village to Sabon Layi community to attend an Islamic event.

Princes, Cleric Among Victims

According to Sambo, the attack occurred around 8 p.m. at the outskirts of the community, where armed men intercepted the vehicle conveying the group. Two princes and a religious leader who were leading the delegation were among those abducted.

“The gunmen stopped the vehicle, abducted everyone inside, including children, and later abandoned the vehicle by the roadside,” Sambo said.

Vehicle Found, Search Continues

Another resident, Ibrahim Musa, said the abandoned vehicle, which belongs to a community leader in Zak, was discovered by road users on Monday morning. He said residents only realised the scale of the incident after confirming that the vehicle was carrying the missing travellers.

Security agencies have been alerted, and the Plateau State Police Command confirmed that investigations are ongoing. The incident adds to a growing pattern of kidnappings and banditry in Wase and surrounding communities, where residents continue to call for stronger security intervention.