Residents of Sensani Village in the Gasol Local Government Area of Taraba State have been thrown into mourning as gunmen killed their chief, Abdulmutalib Nuhu.
Locals said that Nuhu’s murder occurred just hours prior to the Taraba State Government’s hosting of the Nwonyo Fishing and Cultural Festival in the Ibbi Local Government Area of the state.
Coincidentally, it was gathered that a native of Ibbi, Hamisu Bala, a notorious convicted gunrunner, popularly known as Wadume, was released from prison a few days ago.
The gunmen stormed Sensani village at about 9 p.m. on Thursday and headed straight to the palace of the traditional ruler, a few kilometres from Ibbi, the venue of the festival.
However, the Taraba State Government has guaranteed that there will be sufficient security during the festival for those travelling.
The older brother of the slain chief, Nuhu Sanseni, told newsmen that the gunmen came on motorcycles with guns, killed his brother, and left with his phones.
“They came to the area at about 9 p.m. last night; they went straight to his palace, shot him, and snatched his two phones. While they were going, they met with a young man who was coming on a motorcycle; they also shot and broke his leg before leaving the village,” Sansani narrated.
A police officer serving in Sansani revealed to our correspondent that his men were already trailing the killers.
Acting Police Public Relations Officer for Taraba State Police Command, ASP James Lashen, when contacted, said he was still on his way to the office at the time of this report on Friday.
“I am not aware. I’m on my way to the office now; if I receive any situation reports, I will inform you,” Lashen stated.
