The former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Prof. Onje Gye-Wado has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen. Prof. Gye-Wado, who served as Deputy Governor during the Abdullahi Adamu administration, was abducted in the early hours of Friday when armed men invaded his residence in Gwagi village, Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
According to reports, the gunmen stormed Prof. Gye-Wado’s house around 12:30 am and opened fire before taking him to an unknown location. The Nasarawa State Police Command has confirmed the kidnapping and stated that the Commissioner of Police, Maiyaki Baba, has mobilized police tactical teams, the military, vigilantes and local hunters to rescue the victim unhurt.
Prof. Gye-Wado was the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State from 1999 to 2003 under the then Governor Abdullahi Adamu. The kidnapping of the former deputy governor has caused panic in the state. The gunmen are yet to contact anyone or reveal their demands for his release. The police have urged residents to report any useful information that could help secure the release of the kidnapped ex-deputy governor.
The upsurge in kidnappings and banditry has recently become a major security concern in Nasarawa State and other parts of Nigeria. Many high-profile individuals including traditional rulers, politicians and businessmen have been kidnapped for ransom in the state and across the country. The police and other security agencies have been making efforts to curb the menace but kidnappers remain elusive. Residents have also been advised to be vigilant and security conscious in order to avoid falling victim.