Unknown gunmen kill Taraba monarch in his palace

Unknown gunmen have tragically taken the life of Alhaji Abdulmutalib Jankada, the traditional ruler of Sansani chiefdom in Gassol local government area of Taraba state. Reports indicate that the monarch was fatally shot multiple times during a brazen attack on Thursday night within his palace. Witnesses recounted that the assailants, arriving on motorcycles, stealthily entered the palace premises and proceeded to the monarch’s quarters where they mercilessly opened fire, resulting in his untimely demise.

The gunmen, after committing the heinous act, absconded from the scene, leaving behind a community in shock and mourning. Musa Sansani, a resident of Sansani town, expressed disbelief, stating that the community was unaware of the tragedy unfolding within the palace until the sounds of gunfire reverberated through the night. The late chief had purportedly intended to attend the Nwonyo fishing Festival in Ibbi, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, but fate intervened tragically.

This is not the first encounter with violence for the Sansani chiefdom, as the late chief had previously been abducted along the Jalingo-Wukari road two years prior, further highlighting the insecurity prevalent in the region. As the community grapples with the loss of their revered leader, preparations are underway for his burial following Friday prayers, marking the end of an era for Sansani chiefdom.