A tense atmosphere has gripped parts of Nasarawa State following the suspected abduction of the state’s Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Barrister Yusuf Musa, in the early hours of Tuesday.
Police authorities confirmed that a routine patrol team from B Division in Lafia discovered an abandoned Peugeot pick-up van with its doors ajar around 3:05 a.m.
The unsettling discovery was made just outside the senior government official’s residence, where officers also found the entrance gate open under suspicious circumstances.
“Upon inspection of the residence, it became evident that Barr. Yusuf Musa was nowhere to be found, and his GMC vehicle, with registration number KUJ 88 PA, was also missing,” said Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel, in an official statement.
The combination of events immediately triggered concerns of a potential kidnapping.
In swift response, the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, initiated a full-scale tactical response.
Police divisions across Akwanga, Andaha, Garaku, and Kadarko have been placed on high alert, while surveillance has been intensified across key transit routes in the state.
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Security operatives are now engaged in a coordinated manhunt aimed at rescuing the abducted official and apprehending the perpetrators.
Authorities have assured the public that no effort will be spared in securing the victim’s safe return.
“The Command is determined to bring the culprits to justice and ensure the safety of all citizens,” the police said, calling for public cooperation.
They encouraged anyone with credible information to come forward and report to the nearest police station without delay.
As of press time, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, and the motive remains unclear.
However, tension continues to mount among residents and government officials alike as the investigation deepens.