Police, ALGON dismiss kidnap attempt claim by Taraba LG chairman

Authorities in Taraba State have dismissed claims of an attempted abduction involving the Chairman of Gassol Local Government Area, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq. Both the Taraba State Police Command and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) described the chairman’s report as unfounded and misleading.

The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, July 10, 2025, when Alhaji Sadiq raised a distress alarm, alleging that kidnappers had invaded his residence in Jalingo. In response, police operatives from the GRA Division were swiftly deployed to the location, which is situated near the ALGON House. However, no suspects were found at the scene, nor were there any signs of a break-in or physical confrontation.

In a statement issued by ALGON Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Jauro Hassan, the association categorically refuted the kidnap claim, accusing Sadiq of spreading a false narrative that could harm the image of the state’s capital.

“The claim by the chairman is not only false but also capable of creating unwarranted fear among residents,” Hassan said. “Jalingo is relatively safe, and such alarmist reports undermine the significant gains made under Governor Agbu Kefas’ administration to enhance security across the state.”

Echoing similar sentiments, the acting Police Public Relations Officer, James Lashen Saminu, confirmed that their investigation revealed no credible evidence of an attempted abduction. He noted that the circumstances surrounding the incident did not meet the legal threshold to be classified as a kidnapping attempt.

“The chairman reported suspicious movements around 3:15 a.m., and our officers responded immediately. But there were no suspects or signs of criminal activity upon arrival. No contact occurred between the alleged intruders and the chairman,” the police statement read.

Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Simon Bretet, also expressed concern over what he described as a false alarm capable of sowing panic and undermining public confidence in the state’s improving security situation.

“Security in Jalingo has improved markedly. We encourage public officials to verify incidents thoroughly before issuing public alerts that may cause unnecessary fear,” he said.

Both the police and ALGON called on citizens and the media to refrain from spreading unverified information and commended the efforts of Governor Agbu Kefas in promoting a safer and more secure Taraba State.