Gunmen have reportedly killed Alhaji Abdulmutalib Jankada, the traditional ruler of Sansani chiefdom in Gassol local government area of Taraba state. The attack took place inside his palace on Thursday night.
Sources say the gunmen, arriving on motorcycles, stormed the palace where the monarch was resting after his day’s activities. They proceeded directly to the room where he was seated and opened fire, fatally wounding him. Following the attack, the assailants seized his phones and fled the scene.
Musa Sansani, a resident of Sansani town, recounted the event, noting that locals had heard gunshots but were unaware they originated from the palace. Sansani said, “The late chief had informed us that he was traveling to Ibbi for the Nwonyo fishing festival, scheduled for Friday and Saturday. We were unaware that he had not left as planned. When we heard the gunshots, we didn’t suspect they came from inside the palace.”
This tragic incident comes two years after the late chief was abducted along the Jalingo-Wukari road. A ransom was reportedly paid for his release following the abduction.
The traditional ruler is expected to be buried in accordance with Islamic rites after Friday prayers.
