Gunmen suspected to be members of local militias have abducted 12 Muslim worshippers travelling to attend Maulud prayers in Gaji village, Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State.

The abduction reportedly occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, at the Bunyun axis of Wase LGA. The victims were said to be travelling in a vehicle when armed men intercepted them and took them to an unknown location.

A resident of Zak village who reported the incident on Sunday said security operatives later visited the scene as efforts were intensified to locate the abducted worshippers and identify those responsible.

The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that investigations were ongoing and assuring residents that steps were being taken to secure the victims’ release.

According to a police source, a team of officers led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Bashar visited the area shortly after receiving the report, while search-and-rescue efforts were launched to apprehend the perpetrators.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama, who also reported the incident, said the abduction has revived painful memories of previous attacks on travellers in Plateau State.

He recalled a June 2025 incident in Mangu Local Government Area where at least 12 travellers from Basawa in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State were killed during an attack on an 18-seater bus conveying guests to a wedding ceremony. Several others were injured in the incident, which drew nationwide condemnation.

Makama also referenced an earlier attack in August 2021, when at least 22 travellers returning from the Islamic New Year celebration in Bauchi State were killed in Jos North Local Government Area, highlighting what he described as a recurring pattern of violence against commuters in the state.