25 kidnapped children rescued after December abduction in Plateau

The Plateau State Government has confirmed the successful rescue of 25 people abducted on December 21, 2025, in Wase Local Government Area of the state.

The announcement was made on Saturday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Samuel Jatau, during a press briefing at the Rayfield Government House in Jos.

Jatau, who addressed journalists alongside Commissioners Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong and Mrs. Caroline Panglang Dafur, as well as a representative of the Department of State Services (DSS), said security operatives worked tirelessly to secure the victims’ freedom.

“We are happy to inform the public that security agencies rescued 25 kidnapped children,” he said.

According to the SSG, the victims were travelling to attend Eid-el-Maulud celebrations when they were intercepted and abducted by kidnappers posing as vigilantes in Wase LGA on December 21, 2025.

“They were travelling for Eid-el-Maulud celebrations when kidnappers, disguised as vigilantes, abducted them in Wase LGA on 21 December 2025,” Jatau stated.

He clarified that although 28 passengers were in the vehicle at the time of the incident, three managed to escape and were not taken by the abductors.

“Let me clarify that they were actually 28 in the vehicle when they were travelling but three of them were not kidnapped because they escaped during the incident,” he added.

Jatau explained that the rescued group consists of 19 males and six females, all of whom have undergone medical examinations and were found to be in stable condition, with only minor injuries reported.

He commended the DSS for its role in the operation, saying, “We want to thank the DSS for a wonderful job. They’ve been doing remarkable things across the state.”

Following their rescue, the victims were formally handed over to officials of Wase Local Government Area.

The SSG urged the council to ensure they receive psychological care before returning to their families.

“Ensure they follow up with psychology, manage them for a couple of weeks before reuniting them with their homes,” Jatau advised.

He further assured that the state government would continue to provide support, stressing the need for close monitoring of the victims during their recovery period.

“The Plateau State Government wants to thank security agencies for their efforts, praying for continued support to ensure the state’s security,” he said.