Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Jos, Nigeria — A fresh wave of insecurity has struck Plateau State in central Nigeria, where gunmen abducted at least 12 worshippers as they travelled to attend religious prayers, officials and residents say, underscoring a deteriorating security situation that has alarmed communities across the region.
The incident occurred late on Sunday evening in the Wase Local Government Area, within the Bashar district’s Zak community, according to local leaders and eyewitness accounts. A group of worshippers — including men, women and children — were travelling by vehicle from Zak village towards Sabon Layi to attend a Maulud religious gathering when they were ambushed by armed assailants. The gunmen reportedly blocked the travellers’ path on a rural road, forced them from their vehicle at gunpoint and abducted all 12 individuals, locals said. Alarms were raised early on Monday morning after the group’s vehicle was found abandoned on the roadside, prompting a search by residents for the victims. Security agencies were promptly notified and have launched investigations and rescue efforts as the whereabouts of those kidnapped remain unknown.
This abduction is part of a troubling pattern of violence in Plateau State, where armed groups often exploit remote routes at night to target travellers, worshippers and communities. Kidnapping for ransom, banditry and organised crime have surged in recent months, with similar incidents reported across the Middle Belt region and other northern states. Analysts say these attacks have become more daring in areas with limited security presence, making rural congregations and travel routes particularly vulnerable.
Community leaders in Wase district described the ambush as a “blow to communal harmony” and appealed to security forces to intensify patrols and surveillance across the area. A youth leader in the Zam community told journalists that the group was travelling under the guidance of community elders and a religious cleric to celebrate an important spiritual event when they were seized. “They were peaceful worshippers heading for prayers,” he said, urging authorities to work swiftly to secure their release.
Plateau State has for years been beset by complex security challenges involving armed bandits, kidnappers and communal militias, contributing to a cycle of fear among rural populations. While official casualty figures are often difficult to verify, residents and civil society groups report frequent ambushes, kidnappings and attacks on settlements, especially after dusk, when security coverage is weakest.
Security officials in plateau — including the Plateau State Police Command — have acknowledged the incident and confirmed that investigations are underway. A police spokesperson said the command is working with local vigilante groups and military units to track down the abductors and secure the release of those taken captive. He appealed to the public to remain calm and share any information that could aid the rescue mission.
The abduction has reignited debate about the state’s broader security strategy, particularly the effectiveness of patrols and community policing in remote areas. In recent months, similar attacks — including the abduction of travellers along rural roads and assaults on markets — have drawn criticism from civil society organisations and traditional leaders, who have called for enhanced coordination between federal, state and local security forces.
Religious leaders have also expressed deep concern over the kidnapping, highlighting the psychological impact on families and congregations who fear attending communal worship or religious events. “Our hearts and prayers are with the families of those taken,” said a spokesperson for a local interfaith council, adding that violence targeting worshippers threatens the communal fabric of the region.
Human rights advocates echo these sentiments, warning that the cycle of insecurity fuels displacement and deepens mistrust between communities and authorities. They argue that the roots of armed violence in central Nigeria — including disputes over land, resources and governance — require long-term, multi-sectoral solutions alongside improved security responses.
The Plateau incident follows a series of high-profile kidnappings in other parts of Nigeria, where armed groups have targeted places of worship, students and travellers alike. In neighbouring states, similar attacks have seen worshippers seized during prayers or on the way to religious services, prompting national and international concern about the protection of civilians in conflict-affected regions.
Federal authorities have pledged support to state security efforts, with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and military units conducting operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping rings and restoring safe passage on highways and rural roads. Officials emphasise that collaborative intelligence and community engagement are central to preventing further abductions and improving response times when incidents occur.
Families of the abducted worshippers have appealed for prayers and swift action, describing the period since the attack as anguishing and uncertain. Some relatives travelled to nearby towns to seek assistance from local authorities, while others called on human rights groups to draw attention to the plight of those taken.
As Plateau State grapples with this latest security crisis, residents are bracing for what many describe as a “perilous holiday season”, a period that traditionally sees increased travel and religious observances across Nigeria. In response, community organisations are mobilising to sensitize the public about security risks, while urging families and travellers to take precautions and report any suspicious activity.
The abduction underscores the fragility of peace in parts of central Nigeria, where decades-long violence continues to disrupt everyday life. As security agencies intensify efforts to locate the 12 worshippers, there are growing calls for renewed focus on prevention, accountability and community resilience in the face of persistent threats.
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