Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted Dr. Muhammed Egye Osolafia, Senior Special Assistant on Humanitarian Services to Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State. The incident occurred late Saturday night in Tudun Amba, Lafia, when assailants firing sporadically into the air seized Osolafia just as he approached his residence.
Confirming the development on Sunday, the governor’s Senior Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr. Peter Ahemba, described the abduction as “sad and unfortunate,” adding that security agencies had been notified and were pursuing leads.
The kidnap underscores a rising wave of abductions in Lafia and other parts of Nasarawa despite recent police operations and arrests. In response to growing public concern over interference in criminal cases, Governor Sule had recently warned top officials against leveraging influence to secure the release of kidnap suspects in security custody.
Security analysts link the spike in incidents to multiple pressures: the influx of displaced persons from bandit-hit states into Nasarawa and ongoing military operations in neighboring Benue, which may be displacing criminal networks into the state. The deteriorating security environment is weighing on local commerce; traders report early closures, and residents in several communities say they now retire indoors by 8:00 p.m. for fear of abduction.
What we know so far
- Victim: Dr. Muhammed Egye Osolafia, Senior Special Assistant (Humanitarian Services)
- Location: Tudun Amba, Lafia, Nasarawa State
- Time: Saturday night, during sporadic gunfire by assailants
- Status: Abductors fled with the victim; security agencies investigating
- Context: Rising kidnappings despite police operations; governor’s recent caution against interference in prosecutions
What’s next
- Coordinated efforts by police and other security agencies to track the kidnappers, secure Osolafia’s safe return, and dismantle cells exploiting the security vacuum.
- Potential target-hardening measures around officials and soft targets in Lafia, including improved lighting, patrols, and community vigilance networks.
Authorities urge residents to remain calm, report suspicious movements to the nearest security formation, and avoid sharing unverified information that could jeopardize rescue operations. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
