1wk after, abducted imam, 7 others still in captivity

Imam Abdulrashid Baduku and seven members of his mosque, who were abducted in Doguwan Ruwa community in Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State, remain in captivity one week after the incident.

The victims, including the Imam and his Muazzin (prayer caller), were kidnapped on February 8, 2026, while preparing charcoal on the outskirts of the community.

Residents said the victims were all members of the mosque committee.

Sa’idu Mustafa, who escaped the abduction, told Daily Trust that the kidnappers had contacted the relatives of the victims, demanding a ransom of 16 million naira—a sum the families said they could not afford.

Narrating his experience, Mustafa said: “We were ten in number, all members of the mosque committee, processing charcoal commercially to raise money for Quranic scholars who interpret the Quran during Ramadan.

“We went together since we couldn’t raise the money individually. While processing charcoal, armed men on motorcycles stormed the area, shooting to scare us. We ran helter-skelter, but they caught eight, including the imam, his muazzin, and the secretary of the mosque. They also killed one. I was the only one who escaped—I don’t know how. It was terrible.”

The state police spokesperson, SP Alabo Alfred, had not responded to inquiries as of press time.

Our correspondent reports that the same Dogon Ruwa community witnessed a previous ambush on July 29, 2025, when bandits attacked soldiers and vigilantes, killing two soldiers and two vigilantes.

On Monday last week, gunmen also attacked Sabon Gari and Zak communities, killing five residents and a soldier.

Daily Trust further reports that the Nigerian Army deployed 300 soldiers to the area on February 9 to counter the persistent banditry and kidnapping activities that have plagued the region for years.

Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5 million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25 million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, click here to find out how it works.

Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.