Families of 28 travellers abducted in Plateau State are grappling with fresh anxiety after the suspected kidnappers reportedly opened contact and issued a hefty ransom demand for their release.
Information gathered indicates that the abductors are asking for ₦1.5 million per victim, a condition relatives say is far beyond the means of most affected households.
The victims were seized on Sunday night while en route to a Maulud celebration in Sabon Layi, a community in Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area.
However, the journey was abruptly cut short when armed men intercepted their vehicle along the Zak axis.
Following the attack, the gunmen reportedly forced the passengers into the bush and fled, leaving the vehicle behind. Since then, families say they have lived in fear, waiting for any word about the fate of their loved ones.
A family member of one of the abducted travellers, Ibrahim Musa, confirmed that the kidnappers reached out to them late Monday night.
According to him, the callers were blunt about their demand but offered assurances about the victims’ safety.
“They told us clearly that it is ₦1.5 million for each person, without exception,” Musa said.
“They also claimed that the captives are being treated well, but the amount they mentioned is something most of us cannot even imagine raising.”
Moreover, Musa explained that he tried to appeal to the kidnappers’ conscience, stressing the economic realities of the affected families and the ages of some of the victims.
“We are rural people struggling to survive,” he said. “Some of those taken are teenagers, and their parents barely feed daily. I begged them to reconsider and show mercy.”
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command has acknowledged the incident. The command disclosed that security agencies have launched an investigation and are working to track those responsible for the abduction.
Residents of Wase LGA, however, say the situation reflects a deeper security crisis in the area. Community members lamented that kidnapping, banditry and cattle rustling have become frequent, creating a climate of fear.
Furthermore, locals are urging both the state and federal governments to deploy more security personnel and strengthen intelligence gathering in rural communities.
According to them, without urgent intervention, criminal gangs may continue to operate with little resistance.
AFRIPOST reports that as negotiations reportedly loom, families of the abducted travellers remain caught between hope and desperation, praying for the safe return of their loved ones amid growing insecurity in Plateau State.