Twenty-eight travellers abducted on December 21, 2025, at Zak community in Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State have regained their freedom.
A report by Daily Trust had earlier said that relatives of the victims were struggling to raise ransom as the kidnappers insisted on payment for their release.
The victims, made up of men, women, and children, were travelling to Sabon Layi community in the same Bashar District to attend a Maulud celebration when they were intercepted and abducted.
Following the incident, the kidnappers reportedly contacted the victims’ families, initially demanding N1.5 million ransom per person.
The families had pleaded with the abductors, saying they could not afford the amount.
The ransom was later reduced to N30 million, with a demand for three brand-new motorcycles.
On Thursday, however, the abductors allegedly reviewed their demands again, asking for N1.5 million and one new motorcycle per victim.
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Confirming the release, a youth leader in Wase LGA, Sapi’i Sambo, said the victims were rescued by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
“Operatives of the DSS called in the night to inform us that the victims had been rescued. It was good news across Wase because people were worried about what would happen if the conditions were not met. We are happy with this development,” he said.
Also confirming the release, a parent from Zak community, Dauda Ibrahim, whose child was among those abducted, said security agencies informed them that the victims were now in Bashar town.
“We were told by the security that our children have been released and are currently in Bashar town. We are grateful to God Almighty and to the DSS operatives,” he said.
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