LG Chairman escapes midnight kidnap attempt in Taraba

Hon. Abubakar Saidu, Chairman of Gassol Local Government Area in Taraba State, narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt at his residence in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Jalingo in the early hours of Friday.

Eyewitnesses reported that the attack occurred around 2:00 a.m. when a group of eight armed men, wielding at least four AK-47 rifles, launched a coordinated assault on the chairman’s home.

Hon. Saidu, who was reportedly awake at the time, noticed unusual movement around his compound and quickly alerted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area. Security operatives, supported by local vigilantes, responded promptly to the distress call, forcing the would-be abductors to retreat before they could gain access.

“I sincerely commend the prompt response of the police and the bravery of the vigilante team.

Their actions saved my life,” Saidu said in a statement following the incident. He also called on the Taraba State Commissioner of Police to strengthen security around his home to prevent future attacks.

The attempted abduction has raised fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in Taraba, particularly threats directed at public officeholders.

Police authorities say an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspects.