Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP William Ovye Aya
Gunmen abduct journalist’s three family members in Kogi, demand N50m ransom
Gunmen who abducted three relations of former Daily Trust Editor, Malam Ahmed Tahir Ajobe, in Kogi State on Thursday evening have demanded N50 million ransom.
Family sources said the kidnapped relations included a male and two females among who was Ajobe’s immediate younger sister identified as Halimtu-Sadiya Tahir.
According to the family, the victims were abducted on their way from a nearby community market in Awo, Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State at a point along Ankpa-Adoka-Markudi Road.
Ajobe lost his mother, Malama Aishetu Tahir, on Sunday after a protracted illness.
The family revealed that the victims went to the market to purchase items for the seventh-day prayers of the journalist’s deceased mother when they were kidnapped.
Although the journalist could not be immediately reached for details on the incident, the Kogi State Police Command confirmed the incident.
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A close family source also revealed that the abductors had demanded N50 million ransom to ensure the release of the victims.
The family source revealed: “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.”
Contacted, the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), William Aya, confirmed the incident.
He said the Divisional police officer (DPO) in charge of the area had already deployed his men in the area to ensure the rescue of the victims
He added that the state Police Commissioner, Bethrand Onuoha, had also directed a police tactical team to be drafted to the area to reinforce the security operatives there.
He assured that everything possible was being done to ensure the safe release of the victims and bring the gunmen to justice.
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