Unknown Gunmen numbering about eight have abducted the Chief of Dan-Anacha in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, Zaki Daniel Mbatelen.
A family source, Mr. Richard Mbatelen, told journalists that the incident occurred about 2 pm on New Year’s day when the chief was holding discussions with some family members and relatives.
Richard Mbatelen who is the younger brother of the abducted chief explained that the armed men riding on motorcycles commanded everybody to lie down on arrival in the compound.
“After complying with their directive, they searched my pockets, collected my phones and the little money I had on me.
“They commanded my elder brother at gunpoint to follow them, they took him on one of the motorcycles and whisked him away to an unknown destination.
“Since yesterday afternoon, my brother’s phone has been switched off. We have not received any call from him or from his abductors.
“I am pleading with the security agencies to ensure that my brother is released unhurt,” he said.
There has been a feud between Jukun and Tiv in Dan-Anacha village over the renaming of the village to Kwararafa by Governor Darius Ishaku, leading to the destruction of valuable property even as tension continues to escalate in the area.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP. David Misal did not answer his calls, neither did he reply to a text message seeking the confirmation of the incident.
