By Muhammed Danjuma Ogwu, Lafia
The Sangarin Dari of Kokona Local Government Area in Nasarawa State, His Royal Highness Emmanuel Omanji, has been abducted by unknown gunmen believed to be armed bandits.
According to investigations by our correspondent, the assailants, armed with AK-47 rifles, stormed the monarch’s palace in the early hours of Wednesday. They fired sporadically for several minutes, causing panic across the community before whisking the traditional ruler away. No intervention came from security personnel or local residents during the attack.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the terrifying incident: “The gunshots were so intense that no one could come out. People were scared of being hit by stray bullets.” He added that after the gunfire died down, it was discovered that the monarch had been taken.
The incident has thrown the entire Dari community into a state of fear and confusion, with no word yet on the whereabouts of the traditional ruler as of the time of filing this report.
The Nasarawa State Police Command has since confirmed the abduction. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, stated that the Commissioner of Police, Shettima Jauro Mohammed, has mobilized a combined team of police operatives, military personnel, and local vigilantes to launch a rescue operation.
SP Nansel expressed confidence that the royal father would be rescued unhurt and that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. He urged members of the public with credible information to assist security agencies.
“The Commissioner of Police has assured that the traditional ruler will be rescued. We call on anyone with useful information not to hesitate in reaching out to the police,” he said.