The Plateau State Government has handed over 25 rescued travellers to the Wase Local Government Council for onward reunion with their families.
The victims were abducted along the Zak–Sabon Layi Road in Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area.
Briefing journalists during the handover ceremony on behalf of government on Saturday in Jos, Samuel Nanchang Jatau, the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), expressed deep regret over the unfortunate incident but thanked God for the safe rescue of the victims.
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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 Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau state for providing a peaceful, safe, and inclusive environment for all residents of the state, irrespective of tribe, religion, or regional background.
