Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped 28 travellers in Zak community, Bashar district, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to PREMIUM TIMES, the victims — made up of men, women, and children — were on their way from Zak village to Sabon Layi community on Sunday night to attend an Islamic programme when the attack occurred.
The report stated that two princes and a religious leader, who were leading the group, were among those abducted.
The newspaper said the incident happened at about 8pm, as the travellers were ambushed on the outskirts of the community.
It was gathered that the assailants seized all the passengers and left their vehicle by the roadside.
The abandoned vehicle, reportedly owned by a community leader in Zak, was later found by other road users on Monday morning, sparking concern and prompting residents to launch a search.
The report added that during preliminary investigations, it became clear that the vehicle was transporting the abducted travellers. Efforts by community members to locate the victims have so far proved unsuccessful.
Security agencies have since been informed of the incident.
Attempts to contact the state police spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages were not returned.
Plateau State has witnessed a surge in kidnapping, banditry, and cattle rustling in recent months.
On December 17, gunmen reportedly killed 12 people and abducted three others during an attack on miners in Fan community, Barkin Ladi LGA.
Earlier, on December 14, at least four children were said to have been killed in a reprisal attack in Dorong village, Foron district of Barkin Ladi LGA of the state.