Insecurity: Taraba ALGON Chairman Debunks LG boss’ kidnapping claims
OKERAFOR ATHANATIUS, JALINGO
The Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Taraba State, Dr. Aminu Jauro Hassan has debunked alleged attempted kidnapping claims by Gassol Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Sadique Abubakar.
Hon. Aminu Jauro Hassan
This was contained in a statement signed and issued to Journalists this Wednesday in Jalingo the State capital.
The Chairman who described the alarm raised by the Chairman as false and misleading, called on residents of Jalingo Local Government Area and people of the State to disregard the claims but to go about their normal businesses.
The statement read, “How Gassol Local Government Chairman Lied About Kidnapping Attempt in Jalingo”,
“False alarm paints a picture of unsafe Jalingo despite government efforts in security”.
Dr. Hassan who doubles as the Executive Chairman of Jalingo Local Government Area of the State, disclosed that the incident, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, July 10, 2025, sparked fear and confusion among residents when news broke that suspected kidnappers had targeted the Gassol Council Chairman, Hon. Abubakar Sadiq at his Jalingo residence.
When contacted, the Taraba State Police Command also refuted the reports and claims by Hon. Abubakar Sadiq, describing the alarm as false and misleading.
Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Simon Bretet, expressed concern over the false report, which he said could undermine public confidence in the state’s improving security situation.
He assured residents that the police remain vigilant and committed to securing lives and property across Taraba State.
“The security situation in Jalingo has improved significantly, and such unfounded reports only serve to create unnecessary panic,” the Commissioner stated.
He urged citizens to remain calm and continue with their daily activities, while calling on public officials and community leaders to verify facts before raising alarms that could spread fear and misinformation.
The Acting Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) James Lashen Saminu, also issued a statement confirming that no kidnapping attempt took place.
According to the police report, the Chairman placed a distress call at about 3:15 a.m., claiming he noticed suspicious movements around his home, located near ALGON House in Jalingo.
“The DPO of GRA Division and his patrol team responded immediately and arrived at the location,” the statement reads. “But no suspects were found, and there was no direct contact between any individuals and the Chairman.”
Further police investigations revealed that no break-in occurred, nor was there any credible indication of an actual kidnap attempt.
The Command emphasized that the Chairman’s alarm did not meet the threshold for a criminal offence such as attempted kidnapping.
