Bandits have abducted the traditional ruler of Pupule in Yoro Local Council of Taraba State, Umaru Nyala, two police personnel, an expectant mother and 13 other persons.
Local sources revealed that the attackers descended on Pupule about 2.00 am, yesterday.
The unsuspecting residents were caught off-guard as the gunmen reportedly fired shots into the air, creating panic and preventing any immediate resistance.
“This is the third time kidnapping for ransom has occurred in the village in less than six months,” lamented a resident.
Confirming the report, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Usman Abdullahi, stated: “It has been confirmed that a district head and 15 others have been kidnapped. The victims include an inspector and a sergeant, both residing within the community.
In response to the crisis, law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to track down the kidnappers.
The police spokesman added that the police command has deployed a combination of striking force, anti-kidnapping units, vigilante and professional hunters to the affected area to rescue the victims and restore calm.
The incident compounds the prevailing insecurity in Taraba, following the recent killing of a village head in Ibbi Local Council.
