By Athanasius Okerafor, Jalingo
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 Area (LGA) Chairman, Hon. Sadique Abubakar.
This was contained in a signed statement issued to journalists on Wednesday, July 16, in Jalingo, the State capital.
Dr. Hassan, who described the alarm raised by the Chairman as false and misleading, called on residents of Jalingo LGA and the State to disregard the claims, and go about their normal businesses.
The statement was titled: ‘How Gassol Local Government Chairman Lied About Kidnapping Attempt in Jalingo’.
It added: “False alarm; paints a picture of unsafe Jalingo despite government efforts in security.”
Dr. Hassan, who doubles as Chairman of Jalingo LGA, explained that news of the incident, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, July 10, 2025, sparked fear and confusion among residents who were led to believe that suspected kidnappers had targeted the Gassol Council Chairman at his Jalingo residence.
When contacted, the Taraba State Police Command also refuted the reports and claims by Hon. Sadiq, describing the alarm as false and misleading.
State 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 remained vigilant and committed to securing lives and property across the State.
“The security situation in Jalingo has improved significantly, and such unfounded reports only serve to create unnecessary panic,” the Commissioner said.
He urged residents to remain calm and continue with their daily activities, and called on public officials and community leaders to verify facts before raising the alarm that could spread fear and misinformation.
Furthermore, Acting Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), James Lashen Saminu, issued a statement confirming that no kidnapping attempt took place.
According to him, 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. 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, he stated.
The Command emphasized that the Chairman’s alarm did not meet the threshold for a criminal offence such as attempted kidnapping.
