Plateau militia abduct 12 Islamic faithful en route to Maulud prayers

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected Plateau militia have abducted 12 Islamic faithful travelling to Gaji village in Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area for Maulud prayers, heightening fears over persistent attacks on travellers in the state.

Zagazola Makama report that the abduction was reported on Dec. 22 by a resident of Zak village in Wase LGA, who said the incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 21.

According to the account, the victims were travelling in a vehicle to attend Maulud prayers when armed men intercepted them at the Bunyun axis of Wase LGA and took them to an unknown destination.

The scene of the incident was later visited by security operatives, while efforts were intensified to locate the abducted persons and identify those responsible.

The latest incident has revived painful memories of previous attacks on travellers in Plateau State, particularly the June 2025 massacre in Mangu Local Government Area, where at least 12 travellers from Basawa in Zaria LGA of Kaduna State were brutally killed by a mob.

In that incident, an 18-seater bus belonging to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, conveying 31 passengers to a wedding ceremony, was attacked around 8:00 p.m., leaving 12 persons dead on the spot and 11 others injured.

The attack drew widespread condemnation, with calls on authorities to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice but nothing has been heard of the case while other report suggest that the perpetrators had been granted bail by the court.

Similarly, in August 2021, no fewer than 22 travellers returning from the commemoration of the Islamic New Year in Bauchi State were killed in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau, underscoring a troubling pattern of violence against commuters.

The latest abduction has heightened concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Plateau, particularly along inter-community and inter-state travel routes.

The incident comes barely six months after a deadly attack on travellers in Mangu Local Government Area, where at least 12 persons from Basawa in Zaria LGA of Kaduna State were killed by a mob while travelling in an 18-seater bus belonging to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

The recurring pattern of attacks on travellers especially muslim faithful reflect a dangerous and unacceptable dimension of Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly the targeting of innocent commuters along transit corridors.

Such attacks demonstrate utter disregard for the sanctity of life and the right of citizens to move freely without fear.

Meanwhile, Police said investigations were ongoing, assuring residents that all necessary measures were being taken to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons.

“Upon receipt of the report, a team of police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Bashar visited the scene of the incident, while efforts were intensified to rescue the victims and arrest the perpetrators,”said the sources.

Plateau militia abduct 12 Islamic faithful en route to Maulud prayers

Police rescue 19 abducted passengers in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

The Benue Police has rescued 19 passengers abducted by suspected armed bandits along the Ohimini–Otukpo Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred in the early hours of Dec. 22, when gunmen blocked two commercial vehicles at Mechanic Village, along the Ohimini–Otukpo axis, and abducted the occupants into the bush.

The sources said that at about 2:00 a.m., following reports that a Toyota Hiace bus was attacked while travelling from Oju to Ibadan with nine passengers on board.

Also attacked was a Toyota Hummer bus with belonging to Plateau Ridders Company, driven by one Igoche John of Jos, Plateau State, en route from Jos to Bayelsa State with 11 passengers.

Upon receiving the report, the Police swiftly mobilised patrol teams and other tactical units within the axis and swiftly moved to the scene, where surrounding bushes were combed.

The heavy presence of police operatives forced the bandits to abandon the victims and flee, leading to the rescue of 19 passengers unhurt and without payment of ransom.

The rescued victims were subsequently debriefed and allowed to continue their journeys. However, one passenger, identified as Boniface Ndukwe of Jos, Plateau State, is still believed to be in captivity.

Police said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and secure the rescue of the remaining victim.

Police rescue 19 abducted passengers in Benue

COAS charges troops to flush bandits from forested areas as he vows “No safe haven for terrorists in Nigeria”

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has declared that bandits and other criminal elements would no longer find refuge in Nigeria’s forests, deserts or national parks, as he charged troops to intensify operations and flush them out of all hideouts.

Shaibu gave the charge on Monday while addressing soldiers and officers of the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, in Ibadan during an operation visit.

The COAS commended the officers and soldiers for the successes recorded within their area of responsibility, while urging them to sustain the momentum.

“We must let them know that there is no safe haven anywhere. Come rain, come sun, forested areas, desert areas or mountainous areas, we are going after them,” the Army Chief said.

According to him, criminal groups had continued to exploit difficult and forested terrains to launch attacks on innocent citizens, stressing that such advantages would no longer be tolerated.

The COAS directed troops to intensify night operations, noting that dominance of the terrain especially forested zones was critical to denying bandits freedom of movement and operational space.

Shaibu specifically pointed to security challenges around the Kwara general area, Kainji Lake National Park and the Old Oyo National Park, saying firm directives were being issued to ensure that all criminal elements were flushed out of the areas.

“Directives are coming up so that you go and clear everything in that place. We are moving with ruthless determination to eliminate all those disturbing that terrain,” he said.

He praised the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and other senior officers for their leadership, saying the operational briefing he received reflected determination and clear focus.

The Army Chief urged officers to continue to lead from the front, describing leadership as a decisive factor in sustaining operational superiority and achieving victory over adversaries.

Shaibu also expressed satisfaction with the morale and responsiveness of the troops, adding that he expected more tangible results from the 2 Division area of responsibility in the coming days.

On welfare, the COAS assured officers and soldiers that their well-being remained a top priority for Army Headquarters, pledging that entitlements would be paid promptly and logistical needs addressed.

He disclosed that approval had been granted for additional renovation and construction of accommodation within barracks under the division to ease existing accommodation pressure.

“You will be given all you require, and all your entitlements will be paid as and when due,” Shaiwo assured the troops.

He added that sustained discipline, motivation and improved welfare were indispensable to maintaining operational superiority against bandits and other criminal elements threatening communities across the region.

COAS charges troops to flush bandits from forested areas as he vows “No safe haven for terrorists in Nigeria”