The traditional ruler of Sansani chiefdom in Gassol local government area of Taraba A tate, Alhaji Abdulmutalib Jankada, has been shot dead by some unknown gunmen.

The monarch was said to have died due to multiple gun wounds sustained during the attack on Thursday night.

According to witnesses, the assailants rode into Sansani town on motorcycles, sneaked into the palace to kill the traditional ruler.

It was gathered that the gunmen went straight to the monarch’s room and directly shot at him several times. 

The assailants also seized the victim’s phones after killing him.

It was learnt that the monarch died on the spot.

Musa Sansani, a resident of Sansani town, said they heard sound gunshots but did not know the shots were from the palace.

“The late chief told us Yesterday that he was traveling to Ibbi for Nwonyo fishing Festival which is taking place on Friday and Saturday,” Sansani told DailyTrust.

“We never knew the Chief did not travel Yesterday evening so when we heard the gunshots, we did not suspect it was inside the palace,” he said.

The resident said the gunmen silently left the town after killing the monarch noting that it was his wife who found him dead and raised the alarm.

“We are mourning and the late chief will be buried after Friday prayers,” he said

“The late chief was abducted along Jalingo-Wukari road two years ago and ransom was paid before his release,” he said.