Saturday, November 23, 2024 -Gunmen have abducted three family members of former Daily Trust Editor, Ahmed Ajobe, in Kogi State.
The victims, including a male and two females, one of whom is Mr.
Ajobe’s immediate younger sister, Halimatu-Sadiya Tahir, were abducted on
Thursday, November 22, 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.
They had gone to the market to purchase items for the prayers of the
late journalist’s mother.
A family friend who preferred anonymity told the punch that the abductors had demanded N50 million
for the release of the victims.
"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,”
“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.”
The spokesperson of the State Police Command, 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.
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