The lawmakers’ resolution followed a motion raised on Tuesday during plenary by Ahmed Idris Wase, who drew attention to the worsening security situation in his constituency and the growing threat to rural communities.
The House of Representatives has called on Nigeria’s security agencies to urgently rescue 28 travellers, including 25 children, abducted by suspected bandits in the Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The lawmakers’ resolution followed a motion raised on Tuesday during plenary by Ahmed Idris Wase, who drew attention to the worsening security situation in his constituency and the growing threat to rural communities.
According to the motion, the victims—25 children, a teacher and a tricycle rider—were abducted along the Zak–Sabon-Layin Gaji road in Bashar District while travelling to attend a Maulud (Islamic birth celebration) in Sabon-Layin Gaji village.
Wase told the House that the incident occurred on Sunday, December 21, when armed bandits ambushed the travellers and whisked them into the surrounding forest.
He said the attackers abandoned the tricycle at the scene, alongside the children’s footwear, underscoring the panic and vulnerability of the victims during the attack.
The lawmaker warned that the dense forest terrain in the area poses a major challenge to conventional security operations, limiting effective patrols, aerial surveillance and rapid response.
He urged the military, police and other security agencies to deploy special tactics and intelligence-driven operations to ensure the immediate and safe rescue of the abducted victims.
Meanwhile, the abductors have reportedly contacted the victims’ families, demanding a ransom of N1.5 million per person—bringing the total demand to N42 million.
A relative of one of the victims, Ibrahim Musa, confirmed the development, saying the kidnappers reached out to the families on Monday night.
"The kidnappers called me last night and said we must pay N1.5 million for each person, regardless of age or gender. But they assured us that our people are in good hands and nothing will happen to them."
The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the abduction, stating that an investigation has been launched and efforts are underway to rescue the victims.
The Chairman of Wase Local Government Area, Muhammed Hamisu, said security forces, including soldiers and helicopters, have been deployed to track the kidnappers and locate the victims.
“By the special grace of God, they will be rescued,” Hamisu said.