- The residents of Taraba state have been enveloped by apprehension and trepidation as insecurity in the state worsens.
At least four persons have been kidnapped in a recent wave of abduction that hit the middle belt state.
The traditional ruler of Pupule in Yoro Local Government Area of the State, Alhaji Alhaji Umaru Abubakar Nyala, was abducted on Tuesday by gunmen.
A pregnant woman and two policemen were reportedly abducted during the attack on the community.
The assailants invaded Pupule at about 2:00 am on Tuesday, sources in the community disclosed.
The reverberating sound of gunshots pierced the night, jolting residents from deep sleep and causing panic.
“This is the third time kidnapping for ransom has occurred in the village in less than six months,” lamented a community member, highlighting the deepening security crisis faced by residents.
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Usman Abdullahi confirmed the incident.
He stated that “It has been confirmed that a district head and fifteen others have been kidnapped.
“Notably, the kidnapped individuals include two policemen — an inspector and a sergeant — both residing within the community.”
In response to the crisis, he said law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to track down the kidnappers.
According to him, the Police Command has deployed a combination of strike force, anti-kidnapping units, vigilantes, and professional hunters to the affected area in a bid to rescue the abducted individuals and restore calm to the beleaguered community.