Suspected kidnappers on Sunday night abducted the District Head of Birbiring, Alhaji Zubairu Usman Garb, and two women in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State, sparking fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in the region.
The gunmen reportedly stormed the community around 1 a.m., shooting into the air to cause panic before seizing their victims. The wife of the District Head, who was among those initially taken, managed to escape from her abductors.
Confirming the incident, the Secretary of the Kanam Development Association (KADA), Shehu Kanam, described the attack as another sad development in a series of violent kidnappings that have plagued the area in recent times.
This latest incident comes barely a week after the Ward Head of Shuwaka community in Kyaram District, also in Kanam LGA, was kidnapped and later killed by his abductors.
KADA, in a statement jointly signed by Shehu Kanam and Garba Aliyu Kanam, the Chairman of the Kanam Sons and Daughters Association (KSDA), strongly condemned the attacks and called for urgent intervention by security agencies and the Plateau State government.
The statement urged Governor Caleb Mutfwang, elected officials, and all relevant security authorities to take immediate and lasting action to address the rising cases of insecurity, especially kidnapping and banditry, which have become rampant in Kanam and surrounding areas.
The community leaders stressed that many residents live in constant fear, with dozens reportedly abducted for ransom while others have been killed in recent months. They also appealed to political representatives at the local, state, and national levels to prioritize security and provide the necessary resources and support to protect lives and property.
“We are calling on all those representing Kanam to rise up to their responsibilities. The lives of our people are at stake,” the statement said.
As of the time of this report, security agencies have not released an official statement, but local sources say efforts are ongoing to track the kidnappers and secure the release of the abducted persons.
The Plateau State Police Command is expected to provide further updates in the coming days.
