Lafia, Nasarawa State — Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted Dr. Muhammed Egye Osolafia, Senior Special Assistant on Humanitarian Services to Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State.
The incident occurred on Saturday night at Tudun Amba, Lafia, when the assailants, who arrived shooting sporadically into the air, seized Osolafia just as he was about to enter his residence.
The Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Affairs, Mr. Peter Ahemba, confirmed the abduction on Sunday, describing it as “sad and unfortunate.”
The development comes amid a surge in kidnapping cases across Lafia and other parts of the state despite several police operations and arrests of suspects.
Governor Sule had recently cautioned political appointees against using their influence to secure the release of suspected kidnappers in security custody.
Security analysts link the growing wave of abductions to the influx of displaced persons from bandit-ravaged states into Nasarawa, as well as the ongoing military offensive in neighbouring Benue State, which they say has pushed some criminal groups into the area.
The worsening insecurity has left many businesses struggling, with residents in several communities forced to shut down activities early and retreat indoors by 8:00 p.m. for fear of abduction.
