Gunmen abduct journalist?s three family members in Kogi, demand N50m ransom

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.