Plateau Rescues 25 Abducted Children In Wase

The Plateau State Government has confirmed the rescue of 25 children abducted by armed men who disguised themselves as vigilantes in Wase Local Government Area.

Naija News reports that the children were reportedly kidnapped on December 21, 2025, along the Zak–Sabon Layi Road while traveling to attend a Maulud celebration. Three other children were said to have escaped during the attack.

Briefing journalists in Jos on Thursday, the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, described the rescue as a major breakthrough by security agencies.

Jatau said, “This afternoon, I am here to inform the public that security agencies were able to rescue our kidnapped children, about 25 of them.

“They were abducted on December 21 in Wase Local Government Area while traveling for a Maulud celebration. The kidnappers disguised themselves as vigilantes on the road.”

Jatau explained that the children were taken to an undisclosed location and held for several weeks, prompting sustained search-and-rescue operations by the government and security agencies.

He disclosed that the victims were tracked and rescued on Wednesday evening.

He said, “Yesterday evening, the security agencies informed us that all 25 children have been rescued hale and hearty. Out of the 25 children, six are female, and 19 are male.

“They have undergone medical examinations and, apart from minor wounds and sores on their feet, they are fine.”

Government Orders Trauma Assessment

The SSG said the state government had directed that trauma assessments be conducted on the rescued children and promised financial support to aid their reintegration.

“We have directed the local government to conduct trauma assessments on them. The state government will also support them with a token to ensure they are properly cared for,” he added.

Jatau commended the Department of State Services and other security agencies for their role in the operation, noting their contributions to improving security across Plateau State.

The rescued children have since been handed over to officials of the Wase Local Government Area for reunification with their families, while authorities assured that security operations would continue to dismantle criminal networks in the area and other vulnerable parts of the state.