Gunmen Kidnap Gov Sule’s Senior Aide in Lafia, Nasarawa

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted Dr. Muhammed Osolafia, Senior Special Assistant on Humanitarian Services to Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State.

The attack happened on Saturday night at Tudun Amba in Lafia, when the assailants, who stormed the area firing sporadically, seized him just as he was about to enter his residence.

Confirming the incident to journalists in Lafia on Sunday, the governor’s Senior Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr. Peter Ahemba, described the development as “sad and unfortunate.”

Kidnapping cases have continued to rise in Lafia and other parts of Nasarawa despite repeated police crackdowns and arrests of suspects.

Governor Sule had recently warned top government officials against using their positions to influence the release of suspected kidnappers in security custody.

Security analysts link the surge in abductions to the influx of displaced persons fleeing bandit-hit states into Nasarawa, as well as the ongoing military offensive in neighbouring Benue State, which has forced some criminal groups to relocate into the area.

The worsening insecurity has disrupted local business activities, with residents in several communities reportedly shutting down shops early and retreating indoors by 8:00 p.m. to avoid being abducted.