The Plateau State Government has announced the successful rescue of 25 children who were abducted in Wase Local Government Area by armed men posing as vigilantes.
The children were reportedly kidnapped on December 21, 2025, along the Zak–Sabon Layi Road at about 7 p.m. while travelling to attend a Maulud celebration, with three others said to have escaped during the attack.
Addressing journalists in Jos on Thursday, the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, described the development as a major breakthrough by security agencies in the state.
“This afternoon, I am here to inform the public that security agencies were able to rescue our kidnapped children, about 25 of them.
“They were abducted on December 21 in Wase Local Government Area while travelling for a Maulud celebration. The kidnappers disguised themselves as vigilantes on the road,” Jatau said.
He explained that the children were taken to an undisclosed location and held for several weeks, leading to sustained search-and-rescue efforts by the state government and security agencies.
According to Jatau, the victims were tracked and rescued on Wednesday evening and were found to be in stable condition.
“Yesterday evening, the security agencies informed us that all 25 children have been rescued hale and hearty. Out of the 25 children, six are female, and 19 are male.
“They have undergone medical examinations and, apart from minor wounds and sores on their feet, they are fine,” he stated.
He added that the state government has directed that trauma assessments be conducted for the children and that financial support would be provided to aid their reintegration.
“We have directed the local government to conduct trauma assessments on them. The state government will also support them with a token to ensure they are properly cared for,” he said.
Jatau commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies for their efforts, noting their role in improving security across the state.
The rescued children have reportedly been handed over to officials of Wase Local Government Area for reunification with their families, while authorities assured that security operations would continue to dismantle criminal networks in Wase and other vulnerable areas of Plateau State.