Unknown gunmen, on Thursday night, shot dead a third-class Chief of Sansani Chiefdom, in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, Alhaji Abdulmutallib Sansani.
A source in the town who prayed with the chief before the incident and did not want his name in print because of the sensitive nature of the matter said the monarch was killed at around 10:25pm.
“The gunmen trailed him to one of his houses outside the palace and killed him. He left the palace around 7pm after prayers and was killed a few hours later.
“We suspect that the gunmen were monitoring him. They trailed and killed him in one of his houses outside of the main palace,” the source said.
The attackers reportedly arrived in Sansani town on motorcycles and stealthily entered the traditional ruler’s room, where they allegedly shot him multiple times. They also stole his phones before fleeing the scene.
According to Musa, a resident who witnessed the incident, “It happened around 9pm on Thursday. The gunmen specifically targeted the monarch’s chambers.
“They entered, shot him, and he died instantly. We heard the gunshots, but since the late chief had informed us of his plans to travel to Ibbi for the Nwonyo Fishing Festival on Friday and Saturday, we never suspected that such an act would occur.”
The assailants managed to escape, and it was the wife of the traditional ruler who reportedly discovered his body.
“We are mourning, and the late ruler will be laid to rest after Friday prayers,” Musa further informed.
The murder of Abdulmutalib Jankada has been confirmed by the Taraba State police command.
The police spokesperson, Usman Abdullahi, sand the command is determined to find the culprits and ensure justice is served for the slain traditional ruler.
