Police spokesman Ramhan Nansel provided official confirmation of the kidnapping to journalists in Lafia on Monday, shedding light on the troubling incident that unfolded within the emir's own palace.
According to Nansel, the tragic event unfolded on Sunday when the Nasarawa police command received an urgent distress call reporting an invasion at the Gurku palace, located just 10 kilometres from Mararaba's main town in Karu LGA.
In response to the distress call, the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Maiyaki Mohammed-Baba, promptly orchestrated the deployment of a coordinated team comprising police operatives and members of the vigilante group to the besieged palace.
Upon their arrival, it became evident that the revered chief and his wife had been abducted and whisked away to an undisclosed location. Despite exhaustive efforts to locate and retrieve them, including thorough searches of the surrounding bushes and mountains, all attempts to secure their safe return proved fruitless.
Mr Nansel expressed the police's unwavering commitment to resolving the situation, revealing that the commissioner has further escalated the response. Additional personnel from the tactical team, the anti-kidnapping unit, and officers from the Karu area command have been dispatched to the site.
"While the circumstances are grim, the authorities are fully dedicated to ensuring the safe and unharmed rescue of the chief and his wife," assured Nansel. "We will keep the public informed as developments transpire."
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced security measures in the region. The brazen nature of the attack, targeting a figure of such prominence within the confines of his own palace, highlights the audaciousness of criminal elements that continue to threaten the peace and stability of the area.
As Nasarawa State awaits updates on the ongoing rescue operation, concerns grow over the safety of the kidnapped emir and his wife. The situation serves as a grim reminder of the persistent challenges posed by criminal activities in various parts of Nigeria and underscores the importance of concerted efforts to curb such incidents and ensure the safety of all citizens.