Alhaji Umaru Buba Nyala of Pupule chiefdom in Yorro LGA of Taraba State and 21 of his subjects were reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of Tuesday, December 19.
According to a resident of Pupule who requested anonymity, the traditional ruler and others were kidnapped by kidnappers who lived in the town’s neighboring highlands.
The source stated:
“The kidnappers situated in the hills surrounding us invaded the town and kidnapped 22 people including the second class chief of Pupule, Alhaji Umaru Buba Nyala”.
Confirming the event, the police spokesman in Taraba, Abdullahi Usman, said 15 persons were kidnapped including two police officers.
He said:
“15 persons were kidnapped among them are two policemen(a sergeant and an inspector).”
He also confirmed that the kidnappers lived on the surrounding mountains and that a combined security team is presently on a manhunt to arrest the perpetrators and rescue the victims.
The source stated:
“So far the command has deployed, men of the strike force in collaboration with vigilante and hunters combing the areas with the view of arresting them and bringing the victims back to their families.
“Investigation has revealed that they live in these mountain areas. The Pupule area is surrounded by mountains. From Yorro down to Jalingo. Most of them live on these mountains. They descend from the mountains, perpetrate their acts and go back.”