The Plateau State Government has announced the successful rescue of 25 children abducted in Zak, Sabon Layi community, Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area, through the coordinated efforts of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies.
Recall that the children were kidnapped on December 21, 2025, at about 7:00 p.m. while travelling as a group to attend a Maulud celebration. The incident occurred along the Zak–Sabon Layi Road, where the abductors reportedly posed as vigilante operatives before seizing the victims and taking them to an unknown destination.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Plateau State Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, the Secretary to the State Government, Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, disclosed that 28 children were initially involved in the incident, but three managed to escape, leaving 25 in captivity.
Arc. Jatau confirmed that sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies throughout the Christmas period led to the eventual rescue of all 25 children. He noted that the rescued victims include 19 males and six females.
“We are able to rescue some of our kidnapped children, about 25 of them in number, who were kidnapped on the 21st of December, if you recall, in Waise, a local government castle to be precise, along Zak Savolai Road at about 7 p.m. in the evening.”
The SSG further revealed that the children have undergone medical examinations and were found to be in stable condition, aside from minor sores and wounds caused by prolonged trekking during their captivity.
He urged the Wase Local Government Council to closely monitor the children after their reunion with their families, stressing the need for psychosomatic and follow-up care over the coming weeks to ensure their full psychological, physical, and emotional recovery.
One of the rescued victims, Mallam Husseini Musa, who is the teacher of the abducted children, commended the Plateau State Government and the security agencies for their swift and coordinated response that led to their safe rescue.
He also prayed for continued vigilance and protection for security personnel and community members, urging sustained alertness to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.
The press briefing was attended by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Caroline Pangiang Dafur; the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong; as well as representatives of other security agencies involved in the rescue operation.
