Gassol chairman kidnap attempt fails in Jalingo as police respond quickly. Chairman Abubakar Saidu urges tighter security after armed men storm his home

A suspected kidnap attempt on Gassol Local Government Chairman, Abubakar Saidu, was foiled in the early hours of Friday, 11 July 2025.

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The incident occurred around 2am at Saidu’s residence in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.

Saidu said he saw eight armed men outside his home. “They were carrying AK-47 rifles, and one of them was masked,” he told reporters. He immediately called the Divisional Police Officer for GRA, and a rapid security response followed.

The attackers fled before they could carry out the abduction, and no one was harmed.

Saidu praised the police and local vigilante group for their swift action. He also called on the state Commissioner of Police to strengthen security around his residence to prevent future threats.

Taraba State Police Public Relations Officer, James Lashen, confirmed the attempt. Although no arrests have been made, the police have launched a full investigation.

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Lashen urged residents to remain alert and to report any suspicious movement to security agencies.