Kidnappers Demand N16m Ransom For Abducted Imam, 7 Other Worshippers

Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

PLATEAU, JOS – Gunmen who kidnapped an imam, Abdulrashid Baduku, and seven members of his worshippers are demanding N16 million for their freedom.

The Imam and his members were abducted in Doguwan Ruwa community, in Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

It was gathered that one person was killed during the attack.

The incident came 24 hours before the Nigerian Army on February 9 deployed 300 soldiers to communities in the state to counter banditry and kidnapping activities.

The victims, including the imam and his muazzin (prayer caller), were said to have been kidnapped on February 8, 2026, while they were preparing charcoal on the outskirts of the community.

One of those who escaped the attack, Sa’idu Mustafa, told journalists that the group comprised 10 mosque committee members who had come together to produce charcoal commercially.

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The proceeds from the business were intended to support Quranic scholars interpreting the Quran during Ramadan, as individual contributions were insufficient.

According to him, “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,” he said.

Truth live news reports that residents confirmed the abducted victims were key committee members of the local mosque.