An Imam, Abdulrashid Baduku, and seven other members of his mosque abducted in Doguwan Ruwa community, Bashar district of Wase Local Council of Plateau State, remain in captivity one week after the incident, with their abductors reportedly demanding N16 million ransom.

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.

The sole survivor, Sa’idu Mustafa, who escaped the attack, told journalists that 10 mosque committee members had gathered to produce charcoal for commercial purposes. He explained that the proceeds were meant to support Quranic scholars interpreting the Quran during Ramadan, as individual contributions were inadequate.

“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.

Residents confirmed that those abducted were key members of the mosque committee.

Sources in the community said the kidnappers had contacted relatives of the victims and demanded N16 million for their release.

Efforts to reach the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful as of press time.

The incident occurred a day before the Nigerian Army deployed 300 soldiers to communities in the state on February 9 to combat rising cases of banditry and kidnapping.