The traditional ruler of Garin Moddibo town in Taraba State, Alhaji Muhammadu, has been killed by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.
It was learnt that the assailants invaded the town, which is located a few kilometres away from Sunkani headquarters of Ardo- Kola Local Government Area of the state, at about 11.30pm on Monday.
They also reportedly abducted the monarch’s wife, son and four other people in the town before leaving for two neighbouring villages where they kidnapped four villagers, including a nursing mother.
The motive behind the killing of the monarch is still unknown but sources in the area said the late traditional ruler had been backing youths in the area in protecting the community against intruders especially kidnappers.
Hunters led by the state chairman of Hunters Association, Dantala Adamu, are said to be searching forest and mountains in a bid to rescue the abducted persons. Chairman of Ardo-Kola LGA, Dalhatu Kawu, confirmed the incident, adding that he reported the matter to Taraba State government.
“Our local government area is under the siege of bandits, and they are kidnapping our people day and night and right now special police force and hunters are doing their best to arrest the situation,” he said.
The spokesman for the Taraba State Police Command, SP Usman Abdullahi, confirmed the incident but did not give further details.
