The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the abduction of three relations of a journalists in Kogi State by gunmen.
Media Talk Africa gathered that the victims who were related to a former Daily Trust Editor, Malam Ahmed Tahir Ajobe, were kidnapped on Thursday evening.
The victims it was learnt include a male and two female including Mr Ajobe’s immediate younger sister, Halimtu-Sadiya Tahir.
They were abducted on their way from a nearby community market in Awo, Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State, along the deplorable Ankpa-Adoka-Markudi Road.
Media Talk Africa recalled that Ajobe lost his mother, Malama Aishetu Tahir last week Sunday after a protracted illness.
The victims were said to have gone to the market to purchase items for the seven-day prayers of the ace journalist’s deceased mother when they were kidnapped.
Although the journalist could not be immediately reached for details on the incident, a family friend said their abductors have demanded for N50 million for the release of the victims.
“Yes, three of Ajobe’s family members were kidnapped at gunpoint at about 3 pm on Thursday.
“The kidnappers reached out on Friday afternoon demanding for N50 million as ransom.
“However, I can’t confirm what the family is offering 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,” he explained.
Confirming the incident on Friday, the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, noted that the divisional police officer in charge of the area, has already deployed his men to the area to ensure the rescue of the victims
He added that Police Commissioner Bethrand Onuoha has also ordered the drafting of the police tactical team to the area to reinforce the team there, assuring that everything possible thing would be done to ensure the safe release of the abducted person and bring the criminals to justice.
