Tension as gunmen shoot traditional ruler to death at his palace in Taraba

Tension as gunmen shoot traditional ruler to death at his palace in Taraba. The atmosphere was tense as gunmen fatally shot Alhaji Abdulmutalib Jankada, the traditional ruler of Sansani chiefdom in Gassol local government area of Taraba state.

Reports from Daily Trust indicate that the monarch was killed on the night of Thursday, April 18, 2024.

The assailants, arriving on motorcycles, stealthily entered Sansani town and made their way into the palace to carry out the targeted attack.

The gunmen reportedly targeted a room where the Monarch was seated, firing multiple shots at him before confiscating his phones.

Tragically, the monarch succumbed to his injuries on the spot, catching palace guards and family members off guard.

Musa Sansani, a resident of Sansani town, recounted hearing gunshots but was unaware they originated from the palace.

He mentioned that the late chief had mentioned plans to attend the Nwonyo fishing Festival in Ibbi but had not left as expected, leaving residents unsuspecting when the gunshots rang out.

After the gunmen silently departed, the monarch’s wife discovered his lifeless body in his room, prompting an alarm that drew the attention of the entire community and neighboring towns in the chiefdom.

Amid mourning, plans are underway for the late chief’s burial following Friday prayers.

The late chief had previously been abducted along the Jalingo-Wukari road two years ago, with a ransom paid for his release.

This incident adds to a growing tally of traditional rulers targeted by gunmen in the state, with approximately seven fatalities reported in recent years.

As of press time, the police in the state have yet to issue a statement regarding the incident.