Gunmen abduct top aide to Nasarawa Chief Judge in daring night raid

DDM News

(DDM) – Gunmen have abducted Mr. Enock Maku, a top government official and Senior Special Assistant on Information and Protocol to the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the abduction took place on the night of Wednesday, July 31, 2025, during a brazen attack on the Agyaragu community in Lafia Local Government Area of the state.

The community was thrown into panic as armed men stormed the area in the dead of night, forcibly taking Maku to an undisclosed location.

The attack is the latest in a troubling pattern of high-profile kidnappings and rising insecurity in Nigeria’s North-Central zone.

The Police Public Relations Officer for Nasarawa State, DSP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the incident on Thursday.

According to him, security forces responded immediately to a distress call and engaged the kidnappers in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

During the confrontation, police operatives were able to rescue two other individuals who had also been seized during the attack.

However, Mr. Maku remains in captivity as of the time of filing this report.

“The command has launched a full-scale investigation and manhunt to ensure the safe return of Mr. Maku,” DSP Nansel stated.

He also assured the public that security operatives were working around the clock to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Nansel called on the residents of Agyaragu and surrounding areas to remain calm, cooperate with law enforcement, and report any suspicious activity to authorities.

The abduction comes amid growing concerns over the deteriorating state of security across Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt region.

Nasarawa State, which borders the Federal Capital Territory, has witnessed a spike in incidents involving armed bandits, kidnappers, and communal clashes in recent years.

Critics argue that the federal government’s failure to decisively tackle insecurity has emboldened criminals to target not just ordinary citizens, but also senior government officials.

Mr. Enock Maku’s position as a close aide to the Chief Judge underscores the audacity of the criminal gangs operating in the region.

Analysts warn that if swift action is not taken, the state could slide further into lawlessness.

As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, and no ransom demand has been made public.

The police, however, insist that every effort is being made to rescue Mr. Maku alive and unharmed.

Residents of Nasarawa are hoping that this case will not join the long list of unresolved kidnappings that continue to haunt Nigeria’s justice system and governance landscape.

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