Armed gunmen abduct traditional monarch in Kogi State as he enters mosque for Friday prayers

ARMED gunmen have kidnapped a first class traditional ruler in Kogi State whisking away Alhaji Shaibu Usman the acting Ejeh Of Ankpa while he was about to enter a mosque for his Friday Jumat prayers.

Coming just after 340 schoolboys were abducted in Katsina State and a few weeks after 43 farmers were murdered in Borno State, the latest incident highlights the chronic insecurity prevalent across northern Nigeria. Just yesterday, the Katsina schoolboys were released after they were tracked to a hideout in Zamfara State.

Alhaji Usman, was abducted by the kidnappers who had laid ambush at the mosque and once they grabbed him they zoomed off immediately to an unknown destination. For now, the abductors of the monarch are yet to make any contact with the family or make any ransom demands.

Ayuba Edeh, the Kogi State police commissioner, confirmed the kidnapping, saying the command would not be resting on its oars until the monarch was released. He stated that the police had cordoned-off all entry and exit points into the state, with the view to rescuing the traditional ruler.

Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi State commissioner for information, said efforts are on to ensure that the traditional ruler is secured safely. He added that the state government is working with security agencies to ensure his release.

Of late, armed bandits, Boko Haram and murderous Fulani herdsmen have taken over northern Nigeria, terrorising the community with impunity. They have become so brazen with their attacks recently that the security forces appear unable to stop them.