Laven Denty Jacob, the lawmaker representing Pankshin South in the Plateau State House of Assembly, has been released from captivity days after he was abducted by gunmen.
Jacob was taken from his home in Anguwan Kagji, a community in Dong, Jos North Local Government Area, during a late-night attack on Monday.
His sudden disappearance had heightened concerns among residents who described the incident as yet another reminder of rising insecurity in the state.
Confirming his release, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Kwarpo Sylvanus, told reporters on Wednesday that the lawmaker had safely returned to his family.
“We are grateful that he has been reunited with his loved ones. At this point, it is not clear if ransom was paid, but the most important thing is that he is alive and well,” Sylvanus said.
He added that Jacob was in good health and urged citizens to remain vigilant. “Communities must stay alert and report suspicious activities around them.
“This is no longer the time for complacency. Everyone has a role to play in protecting our neighbourhoods,” Sylvanus advised.
The legislator also commended security agencies for their swift response and encouraged residents to form community-based vigilante groups to help curb the rising wave of abductions across Plateau.
“We in the Assembly will continue to push for laws that strengthen our state’s security architecture so that citizens can feel safe again,” he said.
The abduction of Jacob occurred barely ten days after a corps member and a University of Jos student were kidnapped within the same axis, sparking renewed fears over the vulnerability of communities in Jos North.