The traditional ruler of Sansani chiefdom in Gassol local government area of Taraba state, Alhaji Abdulmutalib Jankada, has been shot dead by gunmen inside his palace.
It was learnt that the gunmen invaded his palace on Thursday night while resting after the day’s activities and shot at him during the attack.
According to newsmen, the assailants, who rode into Sansani town on motorcycles, sneaked into the palace, went straight to a room where the monarch was sitting, and shot him several times, seizing his phones afterwards.
A resident of Sansani town, Musa Sansani, who also spoke with newsmen, said that they heard gunshots but did not know the shots were from the palace.
He said, “The late chief told us yesterday that he was traveling to Ibbi for Nwonyo fishing festival, which is taking place on Friday and Saturday.
“We never knew the Chief did not travel yesterday evening, so when we heard the gunshots, we did not suspect it was inside the palace.”
The late traditional ruler is set to be buried after Friday prayers, according to Islamic rites.
The late chief was abducted along Jalingo-Wukari road two years ago and ransom was paid before his release.
