Fatimah Otunsanya
The 25 Muslims who were kidnapped on their way to attend Eid-el-Maulud celebrations in Plateau State on December 21, 2025, have been rescued, according to the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau.
He said the victims were rescued by operatives of the Department of State Services.
Jatau announced the rescue during a press conference with journalists at Rayfield Government House in Jos, the state capital, on Saturday.
The SSG, who was flanked by some commissioners and an officer of the DSS, said.
We are happy to inform the public that security agencies rescued 25 kidnapped children. They were traveling for Eid-el-Maulud celebrations when kidnappers, disguised as vigilantes, abducted them in Wase Local Government Area on December 21, 2025.
“Let me clarify that there were actually 28 in the vehicle when they were travelling, but three of them were not kidnapped because they escaped during the incident.”
Jatau noted that the victims, comprising six females and 19 males, were rescued after intensive efforts by the state government and security agencies.
He said the rescued individuals had received medical checks and are in good health, aside from minor injuries.
Jatau particularly praised the DSS, saying,
“We want to thank the DSS for a wonderful job. They’ve been doing remarkable things across the state.”
The rescued victims were handed over to officials from Wase LGA.
He advised the local government to provide psychological support for the victims.