El Wak,Kenya| Mandera County was thrown into turmoil early this morning when five local chiefs were reportedly abducted by suspected militants in Mandera South.
The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. as the chiefs were traveling to Elwak for an official meeting.
According to North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno, the abduction took place between Bamba Owla and Ires Suki.
The officials were traveling in a saloon car when they were ambushed and taken hostage. The abducted chiefs have been identified as:
- Hassan Kulmia – Chief, Wargadud East Location
- Mohamed Hache – Chief, Chachabole Location
- Adaw Mohamed – Chief, Wargadud Town Location
- Ibrahim Gabow – Assistant Chief, Wargadud East Sublocation
- Abdi Suraw – Chief, Quramathow Location
Security Operation Underway
In response, a multi-agency security team, led by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), has launched an operation to locate the abducted chiefs and ensure their safe return.
Authorities are working tirelessly to establish their whereabouts, with intelligence and surveillance operations intensified in the region.
This latest abduction raises serious security concerns, particularly regarding how the militants were able to track the officials’ movements.
Security experts suspect that local informants may have tipped off the assailants, an issue that has long plagued counterterrorism efforts in northeastern Kenya.
Some officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, believe the al-Shabaab militant group could be responsible.
Growing Concerns Over Security in Mandera
The incident has reignited fears over the persistent insecurity in Mandera and the broader northeastern region, where militant groups have frequently targeted government officials, security personnel, and civilians.
Experts emphasize the need for enhanced intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities to prevent such attacks.
The abduction has been widely condemned by leaders across the political and security spectrum.
Authorities have assured the public that all efforts are being made to rescue the abducted chiefs and restore stability.
Impact on Planned Presidential Visit
The attack has also cast uncertainty over an upcoming visit by the President to the region.
There is growing speculation that the trip could be postponed due to security concerns, though official confirmation is yet to be made.
As the search for the abducted chiefs continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to bolster security measures in the volatile region, particularly in light of persistent militant threats.