By Muhammed Danjuma Ogwu, Lafia
There was panic in the Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Wednesday following the abduction of the Sangarin Dari, His Royal Highness Emmanuel Omanji, by unidentified gunmen suspected to be bandits.
Eyewitnesses said the armed men, carrying AK-47 rifles, stormed the monarch’s palace in the early hours of the day and opened fire indiscriminately, sending residents into hiding. The assailants reportedly whisked the traditional ruler away without encountering any resistance from security operatives or members of the community.
Speaking anonymously, a resident of Dari recounted the terrifying experience: “The gunshots were deafening. Nobody could step out because everyone was scared of being hit by stray bullets.”
It was only after the shooting ceased that residents realised the monarch had been abducted. His whereabouts remain unknown as of the time of filing this report, deepening fear and anxiety in the community.
The Nasarawa State Police Command has confirmed the incident. In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, said the Commissioner of Police, Shettima Jauro Mohammed, has deployed a joint team of police officers, soldiers, and vigilante groups to launch a search and rescue operation.
“The Commissioner has given firm instructions to ensure the safe return of the royal father,” Nansel said. “We urge anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to come forward and cooperate with the security agencies.”
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to locate the kidnappers and ensure the safe release of the traditional ruler.
