Plateau Kidnappers Demand ₦1.5m Each as 28 Muslim Travellers Remain in Captivity

Plateau Kidnappers Demand ₦1.5m Each as 28 Muslim Travellers Remain in Captivity

Kidnappers holding 28 travellers abducted in Plateau State have reiterated their demand for a ₦1.5 million ransom per adult victim, one week after the incident, insisting they will not release the captives until the money is paid.

The victims—comprising men, women, and children—were abducted last Sunday at Zak community in the Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area while travelling to Sabon Layi community to attend a Maulud Nabbiy religious event.

According to family members, the travellers were seized after their vehicle was intercepted by armed men, who took the occupants into the surrounding bush.

Relatives of the victims disclosed that the kidnappers first contacted the families on Tuesday, demanding ₦1.5 million for each adult victim. The families reportedly appealed to the abductors, explaining that they were financially incapable of raising the amount.

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Despite ongoing security operations, the kidnappers allegedly contacted the families again on Sunday and maintained their stance.

“They called again and said they have seen helicopters flying in the bush and searching for the victims. They told us, ‘We will not release them until the ransom is paid. That is all we need from you,’” said Ibrahim Musa, a relative of one of the abducted travellers.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Wase Local Government Area, Muhammed Hamisu, confirmed that soldiers and helicopters had been deployed to the area as part of efforts to locate and rescue the victims.

The Plateau State Police Command also confirmed that rescue operations were ongoing, stating that an intelligence-driven team of detectives was immediately mobilised to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the abducted travellers.

However, relatives of the victims continue to appeal to the abductors for mercy, citing their poor financial condition and inability to meet the ransom demand.

Plateau Kidnappers Demand ₦1.5m Each as 28 Muslim Travellers Remain in Captivity