Bandits kidnap another traditional ruler in northern Nigeria

By Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu

KANO, Nigeria (AA) - Gunmen have abducted a traditional ruler in northern Nigeria in the second such incident this month, local media reported Monday.

Danladi Gyet Maude, the traditional ruler of Jaba Chiefdom in Kaduna state, who is more than 80 years old, was kidnapped while on his farm in Gitata village in Nasarawa state.

Mohammad Jalige, the spokesperson for the Kaduna state police command, confirmed the incident.

The kidnappers were said to have stormed the farm around 2 p.m. and abducted Maude, leaving his aides behind.

The incident comes two weeks after Alhaji Alhassan Adamu, the emir of Kajuru in the Kajuru local government area of Kaduna, was abducted by armed bandits.

The 85-year-old emir regained his freedom a day later.

Kaduna has been witnessing intense attacks by bandits -- ranging from killings to abductions of schoolchildren and residents -- despite efforts by security agencies to contain the situation.