Gunmen abduct journalist’s three relatives in Kogi, demand N50m

Gunmen on Thursday evening abducted three relations of former Daily Trust Editor, Ahmed Ajobe.

The victims include a male and two females, one of whom is Mr. Ajobe’s immediate younger sister, Halimatu-Sadiya Tahir.

They were abducted while returning from a nearby community market in Awo, Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State, along the deteriorating Ankpa-Adoka-Markudi road.

Ajobe, who lost his mother, Aishetu Tahir, on Sunday after a protracted illness, was preparing for the seven-day prayers when the victims were kidnapped.

They had gone to the market to purchase items for the prayers of the late journalist’s mother.

Although the journalist could not be immediately reached for details, a family friend who preferred anonymity said the abductors had demanded N50 million for the release of the victims.

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“Yes, three of Ajobe’s family members were kidnapped at gunpoint at about 3pm on Thursday,” the source said.

“The kidnappers reached out on Friday afternoon, demanding N50 million as ransom,” he added.

However, the source said, “I can’t confirm if the family is in the negotiations because I had to leave the community for an emergency in Lokoja. What I can say is that no amount has been paid yet, and the victims are still in captivity.”

When contacted, the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, confirmed the incident, stating that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area had already deployed his men to the region to ensure the rescue of the victims.

He added that the state Commissioner of Police Bethrand Onuoha, had also ordered the drafting of a police tactical team to reinforce the existing team, assuring the people that everything possible would be done to ensure the safe release of the abducted persons and bring the criminals to justice.