Gunmen abduct 28 travellers heading to Islamic event in central Nigeria
At least 28 individuals traveling to an Islamic gathering in Nigeria's Plateau state have been abducted, as reported by local sources. The incident occurred on Sun, Oct 15, 2023, when armed individuals intercepted a bus carrying the victims, including…
At least 28 individuals traveling to an Islamic gathering in Nigeria's Plateau state have been abducted, as reported by local sources. The incident occurred on Sun, Oct 15, 2023, when armed individuals intercepted a bus carrying the victims, including women and children, between rural communities. The authorities have yet to release an official statement, and the identities of the attackers are currently unknown.
According to a journalist in Plateau state, families of the abducted individuals have received ransom demands from the kidnappers. This incident adds to the rising concern over mass abductions in northern and central Nigeria, where criminal gangs frequently target travelers, villages, and schools. Despite the illegality of paying ransoms in Nigeria, it remains a prevalent practice, often resulting in the release of hostages and providing a significant income source for armed groups.
This kidnapping incident follows the release of 130 schoolchildren and teachers from a Catholic boarding school in Niger state, who had been held captive for several weeks. Although their release was seen as a positive development in security efforts, the recent Plateau state abductions underline the ongoing risks to civilian safety in the region. It is important to note that this abduction is not connected to the Islamist insurgency in north-eastern Nigeria.
At least 28 individuals traveling to an Islamic gathering in Nigeria's Plateau state have been abducted, as reported by local sources.
Official Response to Security Concerns
Nigeria's security situation has been under international scrutiny. In recent interactions, Nigeria's federal government has dismissed claims of religious targeting, emphasizing that insecurity affects communities across all religious backgrounds. On Mon, Oct 16, 2023, Information Minister Mohammed Idris stated that tensions with the United States have been alleviated, resulting in improved bilateral relations. Furthermore, there are plans to deploy trained forest guards to monitor remote areas and forests used by criminal gangs, complementing ongoing military operations.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
