Amnesty International has condemned the abduction of 28 Muslim travellers in Plateau State, describing the incident as a grave violation of human rights and a further indication of the worsening security situation in the state.
The travellers were reportedly on their way to attend Maulud prayers in Gaji village, Bashar District, Wase Local Government Area, when they were intercepted by gunmen. The abduction occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, along the Bunyun axis of Wase LGA.
According to Amnesty International’s findings, the attackers were armed men operating freely in the area. The organisation said the incident highlights the continued failure of authorities to adequately protect lives and ensure safe passage for commuters.
Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to urgently secure the safe rescue of the abducted persons and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted. It stressed that the government must go beyond issuing condemnations and take concrete measures to prevent a recurrence.
The rights group noted that the targeting of travellers in Plateau State has become increasingly frequent. In August 2021, at least 22 Muslim travellers returning from an Islamic event in Bauchi were killed by a mob after their vehicle was blocked in Jos North Local Government Area. Similarly, in June this year, no fewer than 12 travellers were killed in Mangu Local Government Area when a bus conveying wedding guests from Kaduna State was ambushed. The bus, owned by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, was reportedly blocked by attackers, with survivors stating that 12 people died on the spot while 11 others sustained serious injuries.
Amnesty International warned that the blocking of roads and the killing or abduction of travellers constitute dangerous crimes that cannot be justified under any circumstances. It said such attacks demonstrate a blatant disregard for the right to life and due process of law, and urged authorities to take decisive action to end the cycle of violence in Plateau State.
