Gunmen kill NSCDC officer, abduct businessman in Plateau's Mangu
- Gunmen killed a Deputy Superintendent of the NSCDC and abducted a businessman in Pushit, Mangu LGA, Plateau State, on Monday night.
- Residents say the officer was shot while riding his motorcycle, not while guarding the businessman.
- The Plateau NSCDC command confirmed the killing; the abducted businessman has not been released.
Gunmen have killed an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and abducted a businessman in Pushit community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, according to residents and the state NSCDC command.
The attack happened on Monday night. Accounts differ on the time: Daily Trust reported it at about 9:30 p.m., while activist John Walshak, who shared details of the incident, said the kidnappers arrived at about 8:00 p.m.
The dead officer was identified as Distu Garba Audu, a Deputy Superintendent of the NSCDC popularly known as Tony. The businessman, described as dealing in fuel, cement and fertiliser, was named as Gilbert.
The spokesperson for the Plateau NSCDC command, ASP A.R. Rimvyok, confirmed the killing. “It is true,” he said.
What residents say happened
According to residents and Walshak, the gunmen seized the businessman and were leaving the area when the officer rode out of his compound on a motorcycle.
Daily Trust quoted community member Lawrence Tabitha as saying the motorcycle’s headlight exposed the gunmen as they fled with the businessman, and they opened fire. Walshak said the officer was heading out to buy meat and was killed at the scene.
Walshak said earlier reports that the officer was guarding the businessman were wrong. The gunmen reportedly escaped through a maize farm.
Mangu has seen repeated attacks despite a curfew imposed by local authorities. Residents named Vodni, Sabon Gari and Nchiya as other communities in the district hit by violence.
Walshak questioned what the curfew is achieving if residents can still be abducted and security officers killed under it. “The people of Mangu deserve answers, not just restrictions on their movement,” he said.
He asked security agencies to investigate, pursue the attackers and secure the businessman’s release, and urged residents to pass credible information to the authorities and avoid spreading unverified claims.
What happens next
The businessman remains in captivity. There is no word yet on whether the gunmen have made contact with his family or demanded a ransom.
Residents are calling on the Plateau State Government and security agencies to strengthen security in Pushit District and secure his release.
