Heavily-armed bandits in the early hours of Monday reportedly kidnapped Aminu Derwan, a prominent traditional ruler in Plateau State, after invading his palace in Panyam, Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
POLITICS NIGERIA learned that the outlaws specifically targeted Derwan.
Alabo Alfred, the spokesman for the Plateau State police Command, could not be reached for comments as his mobile phones were unreachable.
The kidnap of the district head is the latest in a series of abductions targeted at traditional rulers and clergymen in the state.
Armed gangs operating mostly in northeastern and north-central states of Nigeria have for more than a decade spread terror through kidnappings for ransom, targeting students, villagers and motorists on highways.
They have also killed thousands of people.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s government has already classified the armed kidnapping gangs, known locally as “bandits”, as terrorists this year – but that has not stopped their activities which is now almost a daily occurrence
