In brief
In a recent incident highlighting ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, 28 Muslim travelers were abducted by armed men in Plateau state while headed to an annual Islamic event. Authorities have deployed resources for their rescue, amidst growing concerns over ransom demands being made to their families. This incident occurs just days after the release of 130 schoolchildren and teachers from a separate kidnapping, illustrating the pervasive nature of such crimes in Nigeria, often attributed to criminal gangs known as 'bandits'. The Nigerian government faces pressure to address these issues while navigating international scrutiny over security conditions in the region.
Armed men have kidnapped 28 people travelling to an annual Islamic event in Nigeria's central Plateau state, local police told the BBC.
The victims, including women and children, were ambushed in their bus on Sunday night as it was driving between villages.
Police spokesperson Alabo Alfred stated the authorities have 'deployed assets' to the affected area to ensure that those abducted are rescued.
News of the abductions comes just a day after the Nigerian authorities announced the release of the remaining 130 schoolchildren and teachers from a separate mass kidnapping at a Catholic boarding school in Niger state last month.
A journalist based in Plateau state reported that the families of the latest victims had begun receiving ransom demands.
Authorities have not confirmed the identity of the possible perpetrators. Kidnapping for ransom by criminal gangs, referred to locally as bandits, has become increasingly common across parts of northern and central Nigeria.
Although the handing over of cash to secure the release of those kidnapped is illegal, it appears many of these cases are resolved through such means, serving as a funding mechanism for these gangs.
This incident in Plateau state is distinct from the long-standing Islamist insurgency in the country’s northeast, where jihadist groups have been engaged in conflict with the state for over a decade.
The phenomenon of kidnapping in Nigeria has drawn renewed international attention, particularly following US President Donald Trump's comments threatening military intervention in the wake of alleged targeting of Christians.
In response to international scrutiny, Nigeria's federal government acknowledged security challenges but refuted claims that Christians faced persecution.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris recently indicated that tensions with the US over insecurity and claims of religious persecution have significantly eased, leading to improved bilateral relations.
Efforts to improve security have included deploying trained forest guards to secure remote areas exploited by criminal groups, supplementing military operations.
