By Deborah Nnamdi
Gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits launched a nighttime attack on the palace of a traditional ruler in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, firing sporadically before abducting the monarch.
Residents who spoke with our correspondent confirmed that the Sangarin Dari, Mr. Emmanuel Omanji, was kidnapped from his residence on Wednesday night during the violent raid.
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants arrived heavily armed, fired shots indiscriminately, and forcibly took the traditional ruler to an unknown location.
The Nasarawa State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the incident and stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, had deployed the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with the military and local vigilante groups, to launch a search and rescue operation.
Nansel emphasized that efforts were underway to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the abducted monarch. He also urged members of the public with relevant information to come forward and assist the security agencies.
“The Commissioner of Police has assured that the royal father will be rescued safely,” he said.