The Plateau State Government has confirmed the rescue of 25 persons abducted on December 21, 2025, in Wase Local Government Area.
Samuel Jatau, secretary to the state government made the disclosure during a press briefing at the Rayfield Government House in Jos.
Speaking alongside commissioners, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong and Mrs. Caroline Panglang Dafur, as well as a Department of State Services official, Jatau said, “We are happy to inform the public that security agencies rescued 25 kidnapped children.”
According to him, “They were travelling for Eid-el-Maulud celebrations when kidnappers, disguised as vigilantes, abducted them in Wase LGA on 21 December 2025.”
He clarified that not everyone on the vehicle was captured.
“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.”
Jatau said the rescued victims — six females and 19 males — were found after sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies.
He noted that all 25 victims had undergone medical assessment and were stable, except for minor injuries.
The SSG also commended the security operatives, declaring, “We want to thank the DSS for a wonderful job. They’ve been doing remarkable things across the state.”
The freed hostages have been handed over to Wase Local Government representatives.
Jatau urged local officials to prioritise trauma care, saying, “Ensure they follow up with psychology, manage them for a couple of weeks before reuniting them with their homes.”
He added that “Government will support them. The local government should watch over them for a few weeks to ensure they’re okay.”
Concluding, the SSG reaffirmed the state’s appreciation for security personnel, stressing that the government “wants to thank security agencies for their efforts,” and prayed for continued collaboration towards lasting peace.