Gunmen Abduct Fulani Community Leader in Plateau, Demand ₦2 Million Ransom

Security tension has flared again in Plateau State after armed men abducted a community leader known as the Wakili Fulani in Kara village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

The attack, which occurred early Saturday morning, saw the victim reportedly taken from his residence by unidentified gunmen who also fled the scene with his motorcycle.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post on X, noting that the incident happened around 7:42 a.m., prompting a swift military response.

Troops under Sector 4 of Operation Safe Haven, working alongside local security operatives, were immediately deployed to the area after the alarm was raised. However, by the time they arrived, the attackers had already escaped with the abducted community leader.

Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly contacted the victim’s family using his phone and demanded a ransom of ₦2 million for his release.

Security forces have since intensified search-and-rescue operations across surrounding communities, with increased patrols and surveillance aimed at tracking the suspects and preventing further attacks.

Operation Safe Haven, a joint military task force responsible for restoring order in Plateau and neighbouring states, has remained active in the region amid recurring cases of kidnapping and rural violence.

The latest incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in rural parts of the North Central region, where community leaders and residents continue to face targeted attacks and ransom-driven abductions.

Authorities say efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim and bring those responsible to justice.