Umaru Nyala, the paramount ruler of Kwaji Chiefdom in Taraba State, who fell victim to kidnappers last week, has been successfully released from captivity.
The jubilant news brings relief to the residents of the community in Yorro Local Government Council of Taraba, where the traditional ruler was abducted.
Sources within the community report that the revered monarch regained his freedom over the weekend, marking the end of a harrowing chapter for him and the community.
Notably, he was not alone in his release, as another victim, Alhaji Umaru Mohammed, who was also taken by the kidnappers, was freed alongside him.
The abduction of the paramount ruler, along with other victims, occurred last Tuesday in the Kwaji area of Pupule village in Yorro council.
While the circumstances surrounding their release remain unclear, the news has sparked calls for heightened efforts to secure the immediate release of other victims believed to be still in the kidnapper’s den.
Concerned residents, eager for the swift resolution of the remaining abductions, are appealing to the government and security operatives to leave no stone unturned in their rescue efforts.
Their plea is coupled with a request for a substantial deployment of heavily armed security personnel to the area.
The residents emphasize the need for the state government to provide support to security agencies, particularly in the crucial areas of logistics.
Confirming the monarch’s freedom, Usman Abdullahi, the spokesperson for the police command, stated that both the paramount ruler and Alhaji Umaru Mohammed have been released.
The police, however, could not definitively ascertain whether a ransom was paid for their freedom.
A source within the community, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that prominent individuals from the community and the local government council pooled resources to pacify the kidnappers.
While the exact amount involved remains undisclosed, the source affirmed that money was indeed delivered to the kidnappers as part of the negotiations for the release of the abducted individuals.
As the community celebrates the safe return of their paramount ruler, the incident prompts reflection on the challenges of security in the region.
The episode also raises questions about the delicate balance between securing the release of kidnapping victims and the potential perpetuation of such crimes through ransom payments.
The people eagerly await further details on the resolution of the remaining abductions and hope for sustained efforts to enhance security in the area.
