Gunmen have abducted a businessman identified as Gilbert and killed an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Distu Garba Audu, in Plateau State, despite a curfew imposed by local authorities to curb recurring attacks and insecurity.

SaharaReporters gathered that the incident occurred on Monday night in Pushit community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to activist John Walshak, who disclosed details of the incident, the suspected kidnappers arrived in the community at about 8 p.m. and abducted Gilbert, a businessman reportedly involved in supplying fuel to filling stations, as well as cement and fertiliser.

Walshak said the gunmen were taking the businessman away when a motorcycle rider emerged from his residence with his headlight on, reportedly heading out to buy meat.

The assailants allegedly opened fire on the rider, killing him at the scene.

The deceased was later identified as Distu Garba Audu, popularly known as Tony, a Deputy Superintendent of the NSCDC. He was reportedly a senior officer of the corps who had built a house in the community.

Walshak clarified that, contrary to earlier reports circulating about the incident, Audu was not killed while guarding the abducted businessman.

He explained that the officer was shot after unexpectedly encountering the suspected kidnappers while riding out of his residence.

The gunmen reportedly fled with Gilbert through a maize farm after abducting him.

Reacting to the incident, Walshak questioned the effectiveness of the curfew, asking why residents could still be abducted and security personnel killed despite the movement restrictions.

He called on the government and security agencies to explain the measures being taken to prevent kidnappings, protect residents and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

“The people of Mangu deserve answers, not just restrictions on their movement,” he said, stressing that the effectiveness of a curfew should be measured by its ability to improve the safety of the people it is intended to protect.

Walshak urged the relevant security agencies to investigate the incident urgently, establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and abduction, track down the perpetrators and secure the safe rescue of the abducted businessman.

He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to the appropriate authorities while avoiding the spread of unverified claims about the incident.

The activist maintained that residents had the right to question security failures that put innocent lives at risk, adding that the government and security agencies had a responsibility to provide answers and protect lives and property.

Efforts by SaharaReporters to contact the NSCDC spokesperson, CSC Afolabi Babawale, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages sent to him.