Gunmen have abducted Mr. Yusuf Musa, the Permanent Secretary of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, has sparked widespread concern and triggered a statewide manhunt by the police.
The abduction was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Nasarawa State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Rahman Nansel. Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Nansel said that the incident was discovered during a routine police patrol.
According to him, a police team from B Division in Lafia was conducting early morning rounds around 2 a.m. along Shinge Road when they noticed an abandoned Peugeot pick-up van with its doors wide open. The suspicious state of the vehicle prompted further investigation.
“Upon closer examination, officers discovered that the gate to the residence of the Permanent Secretary was also open, which immediately raised red flags,” Nansel said. “A swift check of the premises confirmed the occupant was missing, and his personal vehicle—a GMC SUV with registration number KUJ 88 PA—had also been taken.”
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The combination of the abandoned official vehicle and the missing GMC strongly indicated a case of abduction.
In response, the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, launched a coordinated tactical response. Police divisions across the state—particularly those in Akwanga, Andaha, Garaku, and Kadarko—were put on high alert and directed to intensify surveillance on all key routes in hopes of intercepting the abductors.
“The Commissioner has ordered an aggressive, statewide manhunt,” Nansel added. “Our operatives are working around the clock to secure Mr. Musa’s safe return and apprehend the criminals behind this act.”
He further appealed to the public to support the ongoing investigation by providing timely and credible information that could lead to the safe rescue of the victim.
“The command encourages all residents to be security conscious and to share any useful tips through our emergency contact lines: 08036157659, 08037461715, and 07032532391,” he said.
NAN
