Alhaji Muhammadu, the traditional ruler of the community of Garin Moddibo in Taraba State, was murdered by gunmen suspected of being kidnappers.


Monday at approximately 11:30 p.m., it was learned that the attackers invaded the town, which is located a few kilometers from the Sunkani headquarters of the Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of the state.


According to reports, they also seized the monarch’s wife, son, and four others in the city before fleeing to two nearby villages where they abducted 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 the Hunters Association, Dantala Adamu, are said to be searching forests 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 the 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.