Hon. Denty Laven Jacob, the lawmaker representing Pankshin South Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly has been kidnapped.
Jacob was seized on Monday night by unidentified gunmen at his residence in Dong, a community within Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The neighborhood has in recent months become a flashpoint for kidnappings and other violent crimes, heightening fears among residents.
Family of Plateau lawmaker in shock
Although neither the government nor security agencies have issued a formal statement, a close family member revealed on Tuesday that the lawmaker was attacked shortly after returning from an outing with friends.
“We suspect he was trailed from where he had gone to hang out with his friends because immediately the gateman opened the gate for him to drive in, the gunmen emerged from their vehicle and whisked him away,” the source said.
According to the relative, the abductors have not contacted the family or made any ransom demand since the lawmaker was taken.
The family member described the incident as a disturbing reflection of the deteriorating security situation in Dong and across Plateau State.
“Dong is becoming quite dangerous these days. Just last week, a popular social media food vendor and her brother who is a corps member were kidnapped in the same Dong and were only released after their family reportedly paid ransom,” the source added.
“This shocking incident adds to the growing wave of insecurity that has plagued Plateau State in recent months.”
