Wilson Adekumola
His Royal Highness, Agwon Izere of Jos East Local Area, Dr. Isaac Azi Wakili has been abducted by unknown gunmen.
Wakili is a first-class monarch and a paramount ruler in Izere community in East Local Government Area of Plateau state.
It was gathered that the paramount ruler of Izere community was abducted in the early hours of Friday morning when gunmen stormed his palace at Shere, and whisked him away.
A resident of the community, Philp Izam, who confirmed his abduction, said that during the invasion, one person was killed while others were severely injured in a gun duel between the kidnappers and security operatives in a failed attempt to rescue the monarch.
He said, “I can confirm to you that HRH Isaac Wakili, the Agwon Izere has been kidnapped. He was at his palace in Shere when the kidnappers stormed the palace at about 1.30 am on Friday.
“The gunmen engage the palace security in a gun battle and subdue them. Reinforcement from the police and other security men came and there was heavy gunfire in the community but the gunmen successfully took the monarch away.
“Unfortunately, one of the vigilante members was shot dead by the gunmen who also shot a police officer but the policeman is still alive.”
Confirming the incident, the Spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred said, “More security operatives had been drafted into the community and were working to ensure 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 members of the public to always avail us with timely information because that will help us to forestall an incident of this nature before if happens.