The Chairman of Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, Hon. Abubakar Saidu, narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt by suspected gunmen at his residence in Jalingo’s Government Reserved Area (GRA) in the early hours of Friday.
According to security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, on Saturday, the incident occurred around 2 a.m. when eight suspected kidnappers, armed with at least four AK-47 rifles, stormed his residence in an attempt to abduct him.
Saidu, who sighted the assailants through his window, quickly alerted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of GRA, who immediately mobilised police personnel to the scene.
The prompt response of the police and local vigilantes reportedly forced the attackers to flee the area.
READ ALSO: PHOTOS: Troops Neutralise Bandits, Recover Arms in Taraba
Speaking after the incident, the chairman commended the swift intervention of the police and vigilante personnel, noting that their timely response was crucial in averting a potentially tragic outcome.
He also appealed to the Taraba State Commissioner of Police to deploy additional security personnel to guard his residence and enhance protection for public officials in the state.
“This incident is a reminder that we need to remain vigilant and strengthen security around public officers and all citizens,” Saidu said.