JUST IN: PLATEAU GUNMEN KIDNAP A FIRST-CLASS MONARCH

Dr. Isaac Azi Wakili, the paramount ruler of the Izere nation in Plateau State’s Jos East Local Government Area, has been kidnapped.
The first-class monarch was kidnapped in the early hours of Friday when gunmen stormed his palace in Shere community.

On Friday, a resident of the community, Philip Izam, confirmed the monarch’s kidnapping in Jos.

According to Izam, one person was killed and others were injured during the invasion as a result of a gun battle between the assailants and the security men in a failed attempt to rescue the monarch.

“I can confirm to you that HRH Isaac Wakili, the Agwom Izere, has been kidnapped,” he said. When the kidnappers stormed his palace in Shere at around 1.30 a.m. on Friday, he was inside.

“The gunmen engaged Palace security in a gun battle and subdued them. A reinforcement of police and other security personnel arrived, and there was heavy gunfire in the community, but the gunmen were successful in removing the monarch.

“The gunmen engaged Palace security in a gun battle and subdued them. A reinforcement of police and other security personnel arrived, and there was heavy gunfire in the community, but the gunmen were successful in removing the monarch.

“Unfortunately, one of the vigilante members was killed by the gunmen who also killed a police officer, but the officer is still alive.”

Alabo Alfred, a spokesman for Plateau police, also confirmed the incident.

More security operatives, he said, had been drafted into the community and were working to secure the release of the kidnapped monarch.

“As I’m talking to you, our officers and men are combing the bush to ensure that the traditional ruler is rescued and perpetrators brought to book. We also want to appeal to the public to always provide us with timely information because it will help us prevent an incident of this nature from occurring,” the PPRO added.