Twenty-eight travellers who were abducted on December 21, 2025, in Zak community of Bashar District, in Wase LGA of Plateau State, are still in captivity as their family members are struggling to raise ransom for their release.

The victims were heading to the Sabon Layi community of Bashar District to attend a Maulud event when they were intercepted and abducted.

The kidnappers, after the incident, contacted the victims’ relatives, demanding N1.5m ransom per person, a demand the relatives said they could not afford, pleading with the kidnappers to release them.

The abductors later slashed the ransom to N30m but asked the victim’s relatives to provide three new motorcycles in addition.

The victims’ families later said the kidnappers reversed their demand, now requiring N1.5m and one new motorcycle per victim.

Talatu Kuyanbana, a parent of one of the abductees, said, “I have been contacting relatives, but we haven’t been able to raise the money. The kidnappers are now demanding N1.5m and a motorcycle per victim.

“I don’t know how to start sourcing for the money, even if it means selling something. We’re struggling to make ends meet at home, and this problem came up.

“I am also worried about the condition of my son because he had a fractured hand before the abduction. I am calling on the state and local governments to help secure our children.

“We’ve done our best, reaching out to relatives, but it’s not working.”

Our correspondent further reports that days after the abduction, the state police command disclosed that efforts were underway to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators. (Daily Trust)

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