Gunmen Kidnap 28 Muslim Travellers on Route to Religious Event in Central Nigeria

Armed men have abducted 28 people travelling to an annual Islamic gathering in central Nigeria, in an attack that has renewed concerns over security along rural transport routes in the country. The incident took place in Plateau State, a region that has experienced repeated episodes of violence and criminal activity in recent years.

Local police said the victims were travelling by bus on Sunday night when gunmen ambushed the vehicle as it moved between villages. Those taken included women and children, highlighting the vulnerability of civilians moving through remote areas after dark. The attackers reportedly blocked the road, stopped the bus, and forced passengers into nearby bushland before fleeing the scene.

A spokesperson for the police in Plateau State, Alabo Alfred, confirmed the incident and said security forces had been deployed to the area. He said authorities were working to track down the abductors and rescue the victims unharmed. Police did not immediately confirm whether ransom demands had been made.

The travellers were reportedly on their way to attend a religious event, which draws participants from surrounding communities each year. Such journeys are common across Nigeria, particularly during major religious seasons, but they also expose travellers to risks in areas where security coverage is thin and criminal groups operate with relative freedom.

Kidnapping for ransom has become increasingly common across large parts of Nigeria, affecting highways, rural roads, and even urban outskirts. Criminal gangs often target buses and private vehicles, believing passengers are more likely to be ransomed by families or community networks. In many cases, abductees are held for days or weeks in forest hideouts until payments are negotiated.

Plateau State sits at the crossroads of Nigeria’s north and south and has long been affected by communal tensions, banditry, and armed crime. While some violence in the state has ethnic or religious dimensions, many recent abductions are driven primarily by profit rather than ideology. Security analysts say criminal groups take advantage of difficult terrain and limited law enforcement presence.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly pledged to tackle kidnapping and restore safety on major transport routes. Military and police operations have been launched in several states, and authorities say arrests and rescues have increased. However, incidents like the latest abduction underscore the ongoing challenges faced by security forces.

Community leaders in the affected area have expressed fear and frustration, urging authorities to step up patrols and improve intelligence gathering. Some residents say night travel has become increasingly dangerous, forcing people to limit movement even for important social or religious events.

Police said they are coordinating with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to locate the abductors. Residents have been advised to remain calm and cooperate with authorities, while avoiding spreading unverified information that could hinder rescue efforts.

As families wait anxiously for news, the latest kidnapping adds to the growing toll of abductions across Nigeria. The incident has once again raised questions about how best to protect civilians, especially those travelling through rural areas, and whether long term solutions can be found to address the root causes of insecurity.