After being held captive for approximately eight days, Jibril Mamman Waziri, the traditional ruler of Guruku in Nasarawa State’s Karu Local Government Area, has been successfully released along with his wife, Sa’adatu.
The news of their release was shared by Nasarawa Governor Sule Abdullahi during the inauguration of his commissioners in Lafia on Monday. He reassured that both the monarch and his spouse are in good health.
The abduction occurred when Waziri and his wife were taken from their palace. The traditional ruler’s domain is situated ten miles away from the main town of Mararaba. The incident involved armed individuals suspected to be kidnappers.
Ranhan Nansel, a deputy superintendent of police and the Public Relations Officer of Nasarawa State Command, confirmed the abduction. In response, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Maiyaki, promptly dispatched a joint team consisting of police operatives and vigilante groups to the scene.
A comprehensive search and rescue operation has been ongoing, covering wooded areas and hills. The efforts have been escalated, involving additional personnel from tactical units, the anti-kidnapping unit, and officers from the Karu Area Command. Their concerted endeavor is aimed at ensuring the swift and safe rescue of the captured couple.
Mararaba, a thriving town situated on the border with the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has generally been considered safe. While no high-profile kidnapping cases have been reported in the vicinity, there have been accounts of similar incidents in neighboring communities.
As of now, it remains uncertain whether any ransom was paid in exchange for the release of the couple.