One dead, three kidnapped as gunmen raid Taraba Village

Unknown gunmen has killed a vigilante and abducted three members of the same family in a village in Taraba State. Our source reported that the kidnappers invaded Dukga-Koffi village in Gassol Local Government Area of the state Tuesday midnight on motorcycles and ambushed vigilantes who were on patrol in the area.

The hoodlums, who were armed, opened fire on the vigilantes at a bush near Koffi. It was further gathered that one of the vigilantes, named Janaidu Saidu, was shot in the neck and died on the spot.

It was also gathered that the gunmen abducted a business man, identified simply as Alhaji Maisuna, his wife and his senior brother from the village.

Sources said a search is being conducted in the nearby bush by the vigilante and other members of the community.

A witness in the area, Malam Gaba Koffi, told our reporter that abductors are now after wealthy people, including herdsmen and large scale farmers.

Daily Trust gathered that over 34 large scale farmers, herdsmen and businessmen have been abducted in the area in recent times and over N100 million paid in ransom.

Taraba police command spokesman, ASP David Misal, confirmed the ambush on the vigilante and killing of one person by kidnappers but did say if any arrest had been made.