Unknown gunmen have kidnapped the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Information, Tourism and Culture, Barrister Yusuf Musa, at his Shinge residence in Lafia, the state capital.
The Nasarawa State Police Command has confirmed the incident and launched an intensive manhunt to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victim. According to a statement issued by the Command, the alarm was raised in the early hours of Tuesday when officers on patrol from B Division in Lafia discovered an abandoned Peugeot pick-up van under suspicious circumstances.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, revealed that officers arrived at the scene around 3:05 a.m. and were further disturbed to find the gate to the victim’s home wide open.
A swift search of the residence revealed that Barrister Yusuf Musa was missing, along with his black GMC SUV bearing registration number KUJ 88 PA.
“The circumstances surrounding the scene strongly suggest an abduction,” Nansel stated, adding that the unusual abandonment of the victim’s vehicle and the unsecured state of his premises triggered an immediate investigation.
In response, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has mobilized tactical teams across the state and activated a statewide alert covering key divisions such as Akwanga, Andaha, Garaku, and Kadarko. Surveillance operations have also been ordered along suspected escape routes.
“The Commissioner has ordered an intensive statewide manhunt and reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the victim’s safe rescue and the immediate apprehension of those behind the act,” the statement read further.
The police urged residents to remain calm but vigilant and called on the public to cooperate by reporting any suspicious activity that could assist in the ongoing investigation. Citizens with useful information have been encouraged to contact the Command through its emergency hotlines: 08036157659, 08037461715, or 07032532391.
