Jos, Plateau State – A palpable sense of unease has gripped Plateau State following the abduction of Honourable Laven Denty Jacob, the member representing Pankshin South constituency in the State House of Assembly. The lawmaker was reportedly kidnapped by unknown gunmen from his residence in the Angwan Kagji area of Dong community, Jos North Local Government Area, on Monday night.
The incident, which occurred around 7:30 pm, has sent shockwaves through the constituency and the wider state. According to eyewitness accounts, the masked assailants forcibly took Honourable Jacob from his vehicle as he waited for his security personnel to open the gate. He has not been seen or heard from since.
In response to the grave situation, security operatives have been swiftly deployed and are actively engaged in a search operation to locate and rescue the abducted lawmaker. The Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, assured the public on Tuesday that every effort is being made to secure Honourable Jacob’s safe return. “Don’t worry, we are on it. I will soon make public what we have done,” he stated, responding to inquiries from PUNCH Metro.
Residents of the Dong community, deeply concerned by the escalating insecurity, have confirmed the incident and are appealing for swift action. Moses Pam, a resident who spoke to reporters, described how the attackers overwhelmed the lawmaker. “They forcefully took him away from his vehicle to an unknown location. Since then, we have not seen him,” Pam said, expressing hope for his safe recovery. “We pray that they will catch up with the perpetrators and rescue the lawmaker because he has not done anything bad to warrant his abduction.”
This latest abduction adds to a growing pattern of criminal activity in the Dong community. Residents have voiced concerns about a recent surge in kidnappings in the area, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures not only in Dong but across other vulnerable parts of Plateau State. Just last month, on September 14th, a corps member and a 300-level University of Jos student were abducted from a residence in the same locality, underscoring the persistent threat faced by the community.
The abduction of a serving lawmaker is a stark reminder of the pervasive security challenges facing the nation. As security forces intensify their search, the community and the state at large remain on edge, anxiously awaiting positive news and calling for decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore a sense of safety to the region.
