How Gassol Local Government Chairman Lied, Raised False Alarm About Kidnapping Attempt

False alarm paints a picture of unsafe Jalingo despite government efforts in security

The Taraba State Police Command has debunked reports of an alleged attempted kidnapping of the Chairman of Gassol Local Government Council, Hon. Abubakar Sadiq, describing the alarm raised by the Chairman as false and misleading.

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 Chairman at his residence in Jalingo.

However, in a swift clarification, the Acting Police Public Relations Officer, James Lashen Saminu, 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.

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.

"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.