The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed ongoing efforts to rescue two journalists and their families who were kidnapped on Saturday night in the Danhonu community of Millennium City, Kaduna.
Spokesperson for State Police Command , Mansir Hassan, informed journalists that police operatives have been deployed to the suspected hideout of the kidnappers in the bush, aiming to secure the release of the hostages.
The victims include the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Kaduna State, Nigeria Union of Journalists Council, Abdulgafar Alabelewe, and three of his family members, abducted in Danhonu 2, Millennium City, Kaduna. Alabelewe is also a correspondent for The Nation Newspaper.
Additionally, Abdulraheem Aodo, a correspondent for Blueprint Newspaper, and his wife were also kidnapped. However, Aodo’s wife was released the following morning due to her ill health.
Reacting to the incident, NUJ President Chris Isiguzo condemned the kidnappings as “sad, unfortunate, totally condemnable, and unacceptable.”
He urged security agencies, including the Department of State Service, Nigeria Police Force, and military, to ensure the journalists’ safe rescue.
Isiguzo shared that one of the journalists had been severely beaten, expressing concern for the psychological impact on the kidnapped families, especially the children.
“It’s really sad. So, the government must do all that is necessary to get them out from the bandits. Because you cannot leave sane people in the hands of such a level of insane characters,” he said.
Despite the lack of ransom demands, Isiguzo remains hopeful due to the efforts reported by the police and DSS.
Editor of The Nation Newspapers, Adeniyi Adesina, expressed shock that their reporter was targeted while doing his job.
He confirmed the incident with the Nigeria Police and hoped for the safe return of their colleague.
The Kaduna State Council of NUJ, represented by Chairman Asmau Halilu and Secretary Gambo Sanga, strongly condemned the abduction, describing it as barbaric.
They appealed to state security agencies to act swiftly in rescuing the journalists and their families. The council called on the government to enhance security measures to protect citizens and prevent the resurgence of kidnappings in Kaduna.
The NUJ urged all journalists in the state to remain vigilant and prayed for the safe return of their kidnapped colleagues and their families.
