Gunmen have abducted the District Head of Birbyang, Alhaji Zubairu Usman Garba, in Birbyang Ward, Kantana Area of Plateau State, barely a week after another traditional ruler in the state was killed by kidnappers.
The incident follows the killing of the Village Head of Shuwaka in Kyaram District, Garga Area, who was murdered despite the payment of millions of naira as ransom.
Confirming the developments in a statement issued in Jos, a community leader, Tarus Salim Dugub, said residents of Jhar Chiefdom are living under siege.
“What began as isolated attacks has now transformed into a coordinated onslaught by bloodthirsty bandits.
Just last night, these criminals invaded Birbyang Ward of Kantana Area, kidnapping the District Head of Birbyang,” Dugub said.
He warned that criminal groups appear to be shifting their operations from Garga Area to Kantana, describing the abduction as another dark day for the people.
“It is heartbreaking that within the span of one week, we lost one respected traditional ruler, the Village Head of Shuwaka in Kyaram District, Garga Area, who was abducted and later killed despite millions of naira being paid as ransom,” he added.