BREAKING: Gunmen raid palace, kidnap popular Nigerian monarch

The traditional ruler of Bukpe community in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Hassan Shamidozhi, has been kidnapped.

POLITICS NIGERIA learned that the incident happened on Wednesday night.

The monarch, who was seated in front of his palace taking fresh air, was whisked away at gunpoint. The kidnappers had shot to scare away people.

As of the time of publishing this report, the abductors have not made any contact with the monarch’s family.

It is understood that the attack was the third in the community.

Police have been notified, and some officers visited the community.

Traditional leaders like Shamidozhi, although they have no constitutional role, are typically revered in northern Nigeria as custodians of the tradition. They generally act as a link between civilians and government, as well as peace makers in times of crisis.

The northern region of Nigeria has recently become a target for kidnapping-for-ransom gangs, abduction of students from schools and travelers on highways.