A first-class monarch in Plateau State, Dr. Isaac Azi Wakili, has been kidnapped by gunmen.
Wakili is the Izere people’s supreme leader, in Jos East Local Government Area of the state.
It was discovered that the monarch was kidnapped early this morning when gunmen broke into his palace in the Shere community.
A local, Philip Izam, confirmed the kidnap of the monarch today to newsmen.
Izam reported that during the invasion, a gun battle broke out between the invaders and the security personnel in an unsuccessful attempt to rescue the king, leaving one person dead and several injured.
Izam said, ” I can confirm to you that HRH Isaac Wakili, the Agwom Izere has been kidnapped. He was at his palace in Shere when the kidnappers stormed the Palace at about 1.30 am on Friday.
“The gunmen engaged the Palace security in a gun battle and subdued them. A reinforcement from the police and other security men came and there was heavy gunfire in the community but the gunmen successfully took the monarch away.
“Unfortunately, one of the vigilante members was shot dead by the gunmen who also shot a police officer but the policeman is still alive ”
Alabo Alfred, a spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, also acknowledged the occurrence.
He added that additional security personnel had been sent into the area and were were attempting to ensure the release of the abducted monarch.
“As I’m talking to you, our officers and men are combing the bush to ensure that the traditional ruler is rescued and perpetrators brought to book. We also want to appeal to members of the public to always avail us with timely information because that will help us to forestall an incident of this nature before it happens,” the PPRO added.
