Plateau Govt Rescues 25 Kidnapped Children

Plateau State Government, in collaboration with security agencies, has rescued 25 kidnapped victims, mostly children, and handed them over to the Wase local government council to be reunited with their families.

LEADERSHIP Sunday reports that the victims were abducted along the Zak–Sabon Layi Road in Bashar District of Wase local government area.

The Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Samuel Jatau, while briefing newsmen during the handover ceremony, expressed deep regret over the unfortunate incident but thanked God for the safe rescue of the victims.

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, December 21, 2025, at about 7pm, 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, January 9, 2026,” he said.

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 the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, to provide a peaceful, safe, and inclusive environment for all residents of the state, irrespective of tribe, religion, or regional background.