Gunmen Abduct Businessman, Kill NSCDC Officer in Plateau's Mangu LGA Despite Curfew

Gunmen have abducted a popular businessman identified as Gilbert and shot dead an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Distu Garba Audu, in Pushit community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident reportedly occurred on the night of Monday, October 19, 2026. Activist John Walshak, who shared details of the attack, said the suspected kidnappers arrived in the community at about 8:00 p.m. and seized Gilbert, a businessman reportedly involved in the supply of fuel to filling stations, as well as cement and fertiliser.

According to Walshak, as the gunmen were taking their victim away, a motorcyclist, who had just left his house with his headlight on to buy meat, ran into them. The attackers allegedly opened fire on him, killing him on the spot.

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 and had built his house in the community.

Walshak clarified that, contrary to earlier reports, the officer was not killed while guarding the abducted businessman. He said Audu was shot after unexpectedly coming across the kidnappers as he rode out of his residence. The gunmen then reportedly escaped with Gilbert through a maize farm.

Walshak questioned the purpose of the curfew in the area if residents could still be kidnapped and security personnel killed while it is in force. "The people of Mangu deserve answers, not just restrictions on their movement," he said, adding that a curfew's effectiveness should be judged by whether it improves the safety of the people it is meant to protect.

He called on the government and security agencies to explain what measures are being taken to prevent kidnappings, protect residents and arrest those responsible. He also urged them to investigate the killing and abduction urgently, pursue the perpetrators and work toward the safe rescue of the businessman.

Walshak appealed to residents to remain vigilant, share credible information with the appropriate authorities and avoid spreading unverified claims about the incident. He maintained that the public has a right to question security failures that endanger innocent lives, and that the government and security agencies have a duty to provide answers and protect residents.