LAFIA — Barrister Yusuf Musa, the Permanent Secretary of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Information, Tourism, and Culture, has been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen at his residence in Shinge, a community within the state capital.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the abduction occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, July 15, 2025. The incident has sparked widespread concern among residents and the state civil service community.
Confirming the development, the Nasarawa State Police Command issued a statement through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel, detailing how the incident came to light.
According to the police, the abduction was discovered by a patrol team from B Division, Lafia, during routine surveillance at approximately 3:05 a.m. The officers reportedly found a Peugeot pick-up van parked with its doors wide open, raising suspicion.
Further investigation led the police to Musa’s residence, where they noticed the gate was left ajar. A subsequent search confirmed that the permanent secretary was missing.
Also unaccounted for was a black GMC vehicle belonging to Musa, bearing registration number KUJ 88 PA, believed to have been taken by the kidnappers during the operation.
Police say they immediately launched a manhunt and intensified surveillance activities across Nasarawa State following the discovery.
The State Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has reportedly activated a high-level tactical response team.
The team has begun combing strategic routes and hot zones across several divisions, including Akwanga, Andaha, Garaku, and Kadarko.
Security operatives are also monitoring entry and exit points in the state in an attempt to track the abductors and recover the missing official.
The incident has added to growing fears over the resurgence of kidnappings and insecurity across parts of Nasarawa, a state that has in recent years faced attacks from armed gangs and suspected bandits.
Although no group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, police say investigations are ongoing to identify the perpetrators and ensure the safe rescue of the victim.
The state government has yet to release an official statement as of the time of filing this report.
Barrister Yusuf Musa is one of the most senior civil servants in the state and has played a key role in coordinating public communication and cultural affairs for the administration.
His abduction marks a troubling escalation in the wave of insecurity targeting public officials and prominent figures across the North Central region.
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