Alhaji Abdulmutalib Jankada, the traditional ruler of Sansani chiefdom in Gassol local government area of Taraba state, was fatally shot by gunmen within the confines of his palace.
The incident happened on Thursday night as the monarch was unwinding from the day’s activities.
According to reports from DailyTrust, the assailants arrived at Sansani town on motorcycles, sneaked into the palace, and proceeded directly to the room where the monarch was located.
Once inside, they shot him multiple times and subsequently made off with his mobile phones.
A local resident, Musa Sansani, expressed shock and confusion to DailyTrust, stating that although gunshots were heard, the residents did not initially realize that the attack was happening inside the palace.
“The late chief told us yesterday that he was traveling to Ibbi for Nwonyo fishing festival, which is taking place on Friday and Saturday.
“We never knew the Chief did not travel yesterday evening, so when we heard the gunshots, we did not suspect it was inside the palace,” he explained.
The community is in mourning as preparations are underway to bury the late ruler following Friday prayers, in accordance with Islamic rites.
This incident follows a prior kidnapping of the chief two years ago on the Jalingo-Wukari road, from which he was released after a ransom payment.
