Gunmen Invade Palace, Kill District Head, Kidnap Others

Suspected bandits have killed another district head, Ali Hakimi of Sarkin Kudu town in the Ibbi Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The incident occurred around 12:30 am on Friday when about 10 armed bandits forcibly entered Hakimi’s palace and shot him dead.

The bandits also abducted some persons, instilling fear in other residents.

A source who spoke to newsmen on the telephone said local hunters, traditionally providing security, have been stretched thin in their efforts to safeguard the community.

Bello Adamu, another source from the community, revealed that the deceased was the brother of the Chief of Sarkin Kudu chiefdom.

The attackers, according to him, “escaped into the bush after killing the district head, and everyone in the area is living in fear because nobody knows the next target of the bandits.”

Also confirming the incident, the council Chairman, Iliya Ajibu, said two persons had been arrested in connection with the incident, adding that an investigation was on-going to arrest others involved in the act.

When contacted, the police spokesperson in the state, Usman Abdullahi, said he was in Uyo, the Akwa-Ibom State capital, for a programme, but promised to get back as soon as he confirmed the incident.