Kidnapped Taraba Monarch Regains Freedom

Umaru Nyala, the paramount ruler of Kwaji Chiefdom in Taraba State, who was abducted by gunmen last week, has been released and is now free.

Some residents of the community in Yorro Local Government Council of Taraba where the traditional ruler was abducted said he regained his freedom over the weekend.

It was gathered that the monarch was released alongside another victim who was also taken by the kidnappers.

Recall that the paramount ruler, alongside other victims, were last Tuesday abducted in the Kwaji area of Pupule village of Yorro council.

Some residents who spoke to DAILY POST following his release urged the government and the security operatives not to leave any stone unturned in ensuring the immediate release of other victims who our reporter gathered are still in the kidnapper’s den.

The people who are presently cap in hand seeking for massive deployment of heavily armed security personnel to the area, urged the state government to extend support to the security agencies, especially in the areas of logistics.

Confirming the monarch’s freedom, the police command spokesperson, Usman Abdullahi, said the monarch and one other person have been released.

He identified the person released alongside the monarch as Alhaji Umaru Mohammed.

Although the command could not ascertain whether those who regained freedom were made to pay ransom before their freedom, a source from the community who confided in our reporter, said some prominent persons from the community and the local government council pulled some resources together to pacify the kidnappers.

Our source who did not know the amount that was involved, said “all I knew is that money was taken to the kidnapper before our king was released. But I must confess to you that I don’t know the exact amount that was involved.”