Abducted community leader murdered in Plateau

The abducted Ward Head of Shuwaka (Sarkin Shuwaka) from Kyaram District, Garga Community, Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State, Mallam Hudu Hassan Barau, has been murdered by his captors, suspected to be bandits terrorising the council.

According to a community source, the Ward Head was abducted from his palace seven days ago and taken into the bush, with security personnel unable to rescue him before he was killed.

A statement by the Kanam Development Association, signed by its Chairman, Barrister Garba G. Aliyu, and Secretary Shehu Kanam, confirmed that the Ward Head was kidnapped seven days ago and killed on Sunday by the bandits who abducted him.

The statement noted that his lifeless body was recovered from the bush near Wanka Forest in the local government area on Monday morning, adding that the gruesome killing has further heightened panic beyond the affected community.

We are consumed by grief and outrage as we received the tragic news of the death of one of our community leaders, Malam Hudu Hassan Barau, the Ward Head of Shuwaka (Sarkin Shuwaka) from Kyaram District, Garga Community, Kanam Local Government Area, Plateau State, who was brutally abducted about six days ago and killed by bandits yesterday.

His lifeless body was recovered from the bush near Wanka Forest this morning. We are still grappling with the shock and pain of this senseless killing and the continued bandit attacks across communities in the Garga area.”

The Association stated that the heart-wrenching incident is a stark reminder of the persistent insecurity and banditry that has plagued communities in the state for far too long, adding that despite repeated pleas and warnings, governments at all levels have failed to take decisive action to address the menace.

It emphasized that the people of Garga and surrounding areas are living in constant fear and urged leaders at various levels to take immediate and concrete steps to ensure safety, protect lives, and enhance security.

The Association specifically called on Governor Caleb Mutfwang to declare a state of emergency in the Garga Community of Kanam Local Government Area and to deploy adequate security personnel to tackle the banditry menace.

At the time of filing this report, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Plateau State Command could not be reached for confirmation.

Culled from Tribune.