Traditional Ruler in Taraba Fatally Shot at Palace

The traditional ruler of Sansani chiefdom in Taraba state, Alhaji Abdulmutalib Jankada, was fatally shot at his palace by gunmen on Thursday night. The assailants, who arrived in Sansani town on motorcycles, targeted the palace and entered the room where the monarch was sitting, shooting him multiple times before fleeing the scene with his phones.

Witnesses reported hearing gunshots but were unaware they originated from the palace until the monarch’s wife discovered him dead in his room. The attack caught palace guards and family members off guard, leaving them shocked and mourning the loss of their leader.

The late chief, who had previously been abducted and released after ransom payment, was reportedly planning to attend the Nwonyo fishing festival in Ibbi before the tragic incident occurred. The killing adds to a troubling trend of traditional rulers falling victim to gunmen in Taraba state, with about seven similar incidents reported in recent years.