Gunmen have abducted a senior aide to Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, throwing the state capital into tension and sparking renewed concerns over rising insecurity.
The victim, identified as Hon. Yusuf Omaki, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, was reportedly kidnapped late Sunday night while returning to his residence in Lafia.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants, armed with sophisticated weapons, ambushed his convoy along Shinge Road, firing sporadically to scare off passersby before whisking him away in their vehicle.
A family member, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the abduction, describing the incident as “a devastating blow” to both the family and the government. “We are still in shock. They took him away in front of everyone, and we have not heard anything from the abductors yet,” he said.
The Nasarawa State Police Command also confirmed the incident. The spokesperson, DSP Ramhan Nansel, told journalists on Monday that a joint security operation had already been launched to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victim.
“We received a distress call about the abduction of the Special Adviser. Our men, in collaboration with other security agencies, have commenced a manhunt to ensure his safe return. We assure residents that the perpetrators will be apprehended,” Nansel said.
The abduction has drawn condemnation from political leaders and civil society groups in the state, who urged the federal and state governments to step up efforts against the wave of kidnappings targeting high-profile individuals and ordinary citizens alike.
As of press time, the kidnappers had not made contact with the family or issued any ransom demands.
