Gunmen abduct two passengers after blocking Plateau highway

Two passengers have been abducted by gunmen after the assailants reportedly blocked the Bokkos–Barkin Ladi road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident occurred at about 8:40pm on Friday, according to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication.

The report said troops of Sector 4, Operation Enduring Peace, were deployed after receiving a distress call about the attack along the highway.

On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that the gunmen had mounted a roadblock and stopped a vehicle driven by Kollog Dakwan.

The assailants allegedly took two passengers from the vehicle before fleeing into the surrounding bush.

Zagazola Makama said the troops immediately commenced a search operation in an effort to locate the abducted passengers and apprehend the attackers.

“The troops immediately launched a rescue operation into the surrounding bush in an attempt to track the kidnappers and rescue the victims,” the publication reported.

It added that the initial operation did not result in contact with the suspected kidnappers.

“However, no contact was established with the criminals during the initial operation,” it said.

According to the report, security forces have continued the search for the victims while efforts are being made to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

It added that patrols had been intensified along the Bokkos–Barkin Ladi route and surrounding communities to prevent further attacks and improve security.

The security operation is also expected to involve local residents, with security personnel seeking information that could assist in locating the abducted passengers and tracking the fleeing assailants.