Gunmen kidnap journalist’s relatives, demand N50m ransom

Gunmen on Thursday afternoon, have abducted three relatives of former Daily Trust Editor, Ahmed Ajobe.

The victims include a male and two females including Ajobe’s immediate younger sister, Halimtu-Sadiya Tahir.

City Round gathered that they were abducted on their way from a nearby community market in Awo, in the Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State, along the deplorable Ankpa-Adoka-Markudi road.

Ajobe who had lost his mother, Malama Aishetu Tahir on Sunday after a protracted illness was preparing for the seven days prayers.

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 Ajobe could not be immediately reached for details on the incident, a family friend who preferred anonymity said their abductors have demanded 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 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.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, confirmed the incident, adding that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area, had already deployed his men to the area to ensure the rescue of the victims.

He added that the Police Commissioner, Bethrand Onuoha, has also ordered the drafting of the police tactical team to the area to reinforce the team there.

“Everything possible would be done to ensure the safe release of the abducted person and bring the criminals to justice,” Aya said.