Gunmen in Kaduna abduct 2 journalists, family members
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted two journalists and their families in the Danhonu community, Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The victims, Abdulgafar Alabelewe of the Nation Newspaper and AbdulRaheem Aodu of Blueprint Newspaper, were taken from their homes along with their wives and children on Saturday night. Alabelewe is the current chairman of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council.
According to a family member, the gunmen attacked the Danhonu community at around 10:30 pm, specifically targeting the homes of the two journalists who live near each other. They shot sporadically and forced their way into the compounds, abducting the journalists and their families. The wife of the Blueprint reporter was later released by the bandits due to illness.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the abduction, stating that security operatives are on the trail of the kidnappers to ensure the safe rescue of the victims. The NUJ in Kaduna State condemned the abduction as barbaric and urged security agencies to act swiftly.
In a statement signed by Asmara Halilu and Gambo Santos, the NUJ expressed dismay over the incident and implored all levels of government to intensify efforts to guarantee the security of lives and property.
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The statement also called on practicing journalists in the state to remain vigilant and prayed for the safe return of their colleagues and their families.
The resurgence of kidnapping in Kaduna and its environs has raised concerns, prompting calls for immediate action to prevent a repeat of past experiences.
Proofreading, editing by Sakinat Musa Abubakar and Maryam Sulaiman, Journalist and Editor at Neptune Prime.
