Gunmen Abduct Ace Journalist’s Relations In Kogi, Demand N50m

By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja

Gunmen Thursday evening, abducted three relations of former Daily Trust Editor, Malam Ahmed Tahir Ajobe.

The victims 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.

Recall that Mr. Ajobe lost his mother, Malama Aishetu Tahir on Sunday after a protracted illness.

The victims were said to have gone to the market to purchase items for the 7-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.

When contacted, the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), William Aya, who confirmed the incident, said the Divisional police officer, (DPO) in charge of the area, has 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, assuring that everything possible would be done to ensure the safe release of the abducted person and bring the criminals to justice