Tension as Gunmen Abduct Prominent Lawmaker in Plateau State
- Gunmen have kidnapped Laven Jacob, the lawmaker representing Pankshin South constituency in the Plateau state house of assembly
- Sources said the kidnappers ambushed Jacob at the entrance of his home as he returned and whisked him away
- Attacks by gunmen are rife in northcentral Nigeria due to high levels of poverty, unemployment and the proliferation of illegal firearms
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, election, and governance in Nigeria.
Jos, Plateau state - Armed men have abducted Laven Denty Jacob, the lawmaker representing Pankshin South constituency in the Plateau state house of assembly.
Legit.ng reports that it is the latest in a spate of attack by armed gangs in central and northern parts of West Africa’s most populous nation.
Source: Original
As reported by Guardian, the incident occurred on Monday night, September 22, at Jacob's residence in Angwan Kagji, Jos North local government area (LGA).
Vanguard also noted the unfortunate update.
According to a close aide of the lawmaker, the attack happened around 7:30 pm. The attack caused tension in the community.
Police react to Plateau lawmaker's abduction
Meanwhile, the Plateau state police command confirmed the disturbing development.
The police's statement reads:
"The State Police Command, through the Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo said “The Command received a report on 22/09/2025, that one Hon. Danti Laven Jacob was intercepted by unknown hoodlums while driving into his house at about 08:00 pm and abducted to an unknown destination.
“On receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Rantya Division and the Officer in Charge, Anti Kidnapping Unit, Jos mobilised to the scene and are currently combing the bushes to rescue the victim.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina, has directed the Area Commander Bukuru to deploy all DPOs and Tactical/Patrol Teams within the metropolis to join in the ongoing operation, and ensure the safe rescue of the victim.”
Kidnappings for ransom are common in West Africa’s most populous country, where heavily armed criminal gangs often unleash terror, especially in the northwest and northcentral regions.
Since coming to office in May 2023, President Bola Tinubu has made reducing insecurity one of his priorities, but the armed forces are embattled on several fronts, including a long-running battle in the northeast of the country.
Read more Plateau state news:
- Prominent lawmaker rejects state police, mentions better alternative
- Fear as over 5,450 people killed in Benue, Plateau, others
- Troops capture 2 deadly terrorists responsible for Plateau, Kaduna attacks
Plateau monarch abducted
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that gunmen abducted Alhaji Zubairu Usman Garba, the district head of Birbyang in Birbyang ward, Kantana area of Plateau state.
The incident occurred barely a week after the killing of the Village Head of Shuwaka in Kyaram District, Garga Area, by kidnappers despite the payment of millions of naira in ransom.
Confirming the attacks in a statement in Jos, a local politician, Tarus Salim Dugub, warned residents of Jhar Chiefdom that they were being besieged.
Source: Legit.ng
