Unknown gunmen have abducted Barrister Yusuf Musa, the Permanent Secretary of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Information, Tourism and Culture, from his residence in the Shinge area of Lafia, the state capital.
The abduction reportedly occurred late Monday night, as Barrister Musa was returning home. According to residents in the area, the gunmen had been trailing him and struck just as he was about to open the gate to his compound.
One of his neighbors raised the alarm after noticing that his vehicle was still parked outside and the gate to his home was wide open.
“When we got there, we searched the compound, but he was nowhere to be found. We tried reaching him through his phone and other contacts, but all efforts failed,” a resident told our correspondent in Lafia.
Early Tuesday morning, around 3:00 am, a police patrol team from B Division in Lafia discovered a suspiciously abandoned Peugeot pick-up van with its doors left wide open.
Upon further inspection, they noticed that the gate to the victim’s residence was ajar. After entering the premises and confirming the absence of the Permanent Secretary, officers quickly escalated the situation as a suspected abduction.
Further inquiries revealed that Barrister Musa’s GMC vehicle, with the registration number KUJ 88 PA, was also missing — a strong indication that the kidnappers may have used it to escape the scene.
In response, the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, ordered an intensive investigation and activated a comprehensive search operation across the state.
Tactical units and surveillance teams have been deployed along major transit routes and at checkpoints in strategic locations, including Akwanga, Andaha, Garaku, and Kadarko.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of Barrister Yusuf Musa and bring those responsible to justice,” said CP Mohammed. “This Command remains committed to protecting the lives and property of our citizens.”
The police have urged residents of Lafia and the wider Nasarawa community to remain calm and vigilant. Authorities are encouraging anyone with credible information regarding the whereabouts of the Permanent Secretary or the identity of the kidnappers to report to the nearest police station. Emergency lines have also been activated: 08036157659, 08037461715, and 07032532391.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among government officials and residents, raising fresh questions about the safety of public servants and security in the state capital.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official word from the kidnappers, and the motive behind the abduction remains unknown. The whereabouts of Barrister Musa also remain uncertain as the police intensify their rescue efforts.
