Heavily armed gunmen have abducted the Sangarin Dari, Mr. Emmanuel Omanji, following a violent raid on his palace in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

According to reports, the assailants stormed the traditional ruler's residence on Wednesday night, firing sporadically into the air before forcibly taking the monarch to an undisclosed location.

The Nasarawa State Police Command has confirmed the incident. Police spokesperson Ramhan Nansel stated that Commissioner of Police Shetima Jauro Mohammed has already mobilized a comprehensive search operation.

"A special team comprising the kidnapping unit, military personnel, and local vigilantes has been deployed to track down the perpetrators and secure the safe release of the traditional ruler," Nansel said.

The police have issued an appeal to the public, urging anyone with information that could assist in the rescue operation to come forward and cooperate with authorities.

This incident adds to a growing pattern of attacks targeting traditional institutions in Nigeria's Middle Belt region. Security agencies continue to battle kidnapping gangs that have increasingly targeted prominent community figures across several states.

As of the time of this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, and there has been no ransom demand made public.

The Kokona Local Government Area, where the incident occurred, has previously experienced similar security challenges, raising concerns among residents about the safety of community leaders.