Plateau kidnappers demand N16m ransom for Imam, seven others

By Golok Nanmwa, Jos

Jos — An Imam, Abdulrashid Baduku, and seven members of his mosque remain in captivity in Doguwan Ruwa community, Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State, one week after their abduction.

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.

Sa’idu Mustafa, the sole survivor who escaped the attack, told journalists that the group of 10 mosque committee members had been producing charcoal commercially to support Quranic scholars during Ramadan, as individual contributions were insufficient.

“We were 10 in number, all members of the mosque committee, and while processing the charcoal, armed men on motorcycles stormed the area and started shooting sporadically. We ran in different directions, but they caught eight of us, including the Imam, his Muazzin, and the mosque secretary. They also killed one person. I was the only one who escaped. It was terrible,” Mustafa said.

Residents confirmed that the abducted victims were key committee members of the mosque. Relatives have been contacted by the kidnappers, who are demanding N16 million for their release.

The Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alabo Alfred, had not responded to inquiries as of press time. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army deployed 300 soldiers to local communities on February 9 to combat banditry and kidnapping activities.

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