The Kogi Police Command has confirmed the abduction of three relatives of former Daily Trust Editor, Malam Ahmed Ajobe.
Among the victims is Mr. Ajobe’s younger sister, Halimtu-Sadiya Tahir.
They were reportedly kidnapped on Thursday while traveling along the poor Ankpa-Adoka-Makurdi Road, returning from a market in the nearby Awo community in Ankpa Local Government Area.
Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja on Friday.
Aya also stated that the Divisional Police Officer in the area has dispatched officers to secure the victims’ release.
He also mentioned that the Police Commissioner, Bethrand Onuoha, had ordered the deployment of a police tactical team to reinforce the local team already on the ground.
He assured that every effort would be made to secure the victims’ safe release and ensure the criminals are brought to justice.
Although the journalist could not be reached for comment, a family friend, who requested to remain anonymous, revealed that the abductors are demanding a ransom of N50 million for the victims’ release.
The friend also shared that Ajobe’s mother, Malama Aishetu Tahir, passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness.
He explained that the abduction occurred when the victims went to the market to buy items for the seven-day prayer ceremony of the journalist’s late mother.
“Yes, three members of Ajobe’s family were abducted at gunpoint around 3:00 PM on Thursday. The kidnappers contacted the family on Friday afternoon, demanding a N50 million ransom.
However, I am unable to confirm what the family has offered in the negotiations, as I had to leave the community for an emergency in Lokoja.
What I can say is that no ransom has been paid yet, and the victims are still being held captive,” he added.
