Bandits Abduct Two Journalists and Their Families in Kaduna State
Kaduna State, Nigeria — In a harrowing incident, bandits struck the Dahjonu community in Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, kidnapping two journalists along with their wives and children.
The victims include Abdulgafar Alabelewe, a journalist from The Nation, and AbdulRaheem Abdu, associated with Blueprint newspaper. Alabelewe also serves as the current chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kaduna State Council.
According to Taofeeq Olayemi, a family member who confirmed the abduction, the bandits descended upon the area around 10:30 PM on Saturday. They fired indiscriminately before carrying out their nefarious act.
Alabelewe, his wife, and two of their children were taken by the assailants. Similarly, Aodu and his unwell wife were kidnapped, leaving their sick daughter behind.
Olayemi recounted the chilling events: “Initially, they took Abdulgafar, his wife, and three of their children, along with a girl staying with them. Later, they instructed the girl to return with one of the children and left with Abdulgafar, his wife, and two children.”
The bandits forcibly entered the victims’ homes, shattering doors and windows. After scaling fences, they removed burglar bars to gain access.
Aodu, a neighbour to the victims, described the chaos: “Around 10:30 PM on Saturday, the bandits began shooting indiscriminately. They first targeted Aodu’s home, taking him and his wife, while leaving their sick daughter behind. Next, they breached Abdulgafar’s house through the fence, entering his bedroom and abducting him, his wife, and two of their children.”
As of the time of this report, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, remains unreachable for comments due to connectivity issues with his telephone line. Authorities are actively investigating the incident, and the community remains on edge as they await further updates.
This alarming abduction underscores the need for increased security measures and swift action to protect journalists and their families in the region. The safety of all residents remains a top priority for law enforcement agencies in Kaduna State.
