Gunmen invade palace, abduct monarch in Plateau

Aminu Derwan, the district head of Panyam, Mantu LGA of Plateau, has been reportedly abducted. 

The traditional ruler was reportedly kidnapped on Sunday night.

The gunmen, numbering about 20, reportedly invaded the monarch’s palace, fired shots into the air to scare locals before taking him away.

Alabo Alfred, police spokesperson in Plateau, confirmed the incident to TheCable on Monday.

“Our men are there, they have taken a very serious effort to ensure that the victim is rescued unhurt,” he said.

“They have put a strategy in place that will yield fruitful results. They are doing everything they can right now to rescue the victim. Further development will be made available.”

This is the second reported abduction of a traditional ruler in Mangu LGA within six months. In December 2021, Charles Mato, the Sum Pyem of Gindri, in the same LGA was abducted by gunmen.

The kidnapping adds to the growing number of traditional rulers who are being targeted by gunmen across the country.