Abducted Plateau community leader killed in captivity

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 - The abducted Ward Head of Shuwaka (Sarkin Shuwaka) from Kyaram District, Garga Community, Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State, Mallam Hudu Hassan Barau, has been m8rdered by his captors.

The Ward Head was abducted from his palace seven days ago by suspected bandits terrorising the council and taken into the bush. 

A statement by the Kanam Development Association, signed by its Chairman, Barrister Garba G. Aliyu, and Secretary Shehu Kanam, confirmed that the Ward Head was k!lled on Sunday, September 14, 2025.

The statement noted that his lifeless body was recovered from the bush near Wanka Forest in the local government area on Monday morning, adding that the gruesome k!lling has further heightened panic beyond the affected community.

“We are consumed by grief and outrage as we received the tragic news of the d3ath of one of our community leaders, Malam Hudu Hassan Barau, the Ward Head of Shuwaka (Sarkin Shuwaka) from Kyaram District, Garga Community, Kanam Local Government Area, Plateau State, who was brutally abducted about six days ago and killed by bandits yesterday,” the statement read. 

His lifeless body was recovered from the bush near Wanka Forest this morning. We are still grappling with the shock and pain of this senseless killing and the continued bandit attacks across communities in the Garga area."

The Association stated that the heart-wrenching incident is a stark reminder of the persistent insecurity and banditry that has plagued communities in the state for far too long, adding that despite repeated pleas and warnings, governments at all levels have failed to take decisive action to address the menace.

It emphasized that the people of Garga and surrounding areas are living in constant fear and urged leaders at various levels to take immediate and concrete steps to ensure safety, protect lives, and enhance security.

The Association specifically called on Governor Caleb Mutfwang to declare a state of emergency in the Garga Community of Kanam Local Government Area and to deploy adequate security personnel to tackle the banditry menace.