On the evening of Monday, the 13th of November 2023, Isaac Bature Gbaja, an assistant manager employed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and stationed in Lafia, the capital of Nassarawa State, became the unfortunate target of a distressing incident.
At approximately 8 pm, Gbaja, along with two other unidentified individuals, was forcefully abducted by unknown gunmen. The unsettling turn of events unfolded near MACFES Royal Suites, situated along Kwandere Road, Tudun Gwandara, Lafia, Nasarawa State, where Gbaja was reportedly picked up at his wife’s joint.
The perpetrators, demonstrating a brazen disregard for the law, reached out to the family on Thursday, 16 November 2023, making ominous demands. The abductors are now demanding a hefty ransom of N10 million for Gbaja’s safe release, plunging his family into a harrowing ordeal. This development adds to the rising trend of kidnappings in the region, raising concerns about the security situation.
It is worth noting that this distressing event occurred just a day after the release of Agidi Bulus Ajeh, a councillor in Lafia Local Government Council, who had also fallen victim to abduction by unknown gunmen.
The swift succession of such incidents underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and concerted efforts to address the escalating challenges faced by residents in Nassarawa State.
Over the past few days, the communities in Nasarawa have found themselves in the throes of escalating insecurity, marked by a disturbing surge in incidents such as kidnapping and the tragic loss of innocent lives due to senseless violence.
The region is grappling with the harrowing challenges posed by criminal activities that include both the abduction of individuals and the unfortunate occurrence of fatalities among the unsuspecting populace.
This unsettling trend has cast a shadow over the safety and well-being of the residents, prompting urgent concerns for the security apparatus to address and mitigate these alarming circumstances.
The Nasarawa police command has officially confirmed the occurrence of the incident in question. Additionally, they have conveyed that an ongoing investigation is actively being pursued to gather relevant information and insights into the matter at hand.
This demonstrates the authorities’ commitment to thoroughly examining the circumstances surrounding the incident and taking appropriate measures based on the findings of the investigation.
