Police search forests for kidnapped Kaduna journalists as the NUJ demands their release.
Kaduna— The kidnapping of two journalists and their families on Saturday night in the Danhonu neighborhood of Millennium City, Kaduna, has been verified by the Kaduna State Police Command.
Mansir Hassan, the command’s spokeswoman, said reporters that police officers were working hard to gain the hostages’
He claims that the victims are three members of Abdulgafar Alabelewe’s family who were abducted at Danhono 2, Millennium City, Kaduna, and the
Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Kaduna State, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Council. Alabelewe writes for the Nation Newspaper as a correspondent as well.
Abdulraheem Aodo, the correspondent for Blueprint Newspaper, and his spouse were also kidnapped. But yesterday morning, Aodu’s wife was freed because of her poor condition.
journalist kidnapping The regrettable event prompted NUJ President Chris Isiguzo to comment, saying, “It is sad, unfortunate, totally
condemnable, and unacceptable that the two journalists were kidnapped in such a barbaric manner.”
“I have urged the DSS, police, military, and security agencies to use every effort to guarantee the safe rescue of those journalists. I’m not sure if it is really feasible. That is, the part about not hurting them.
One of the journalists was pummeled into a stupor, according to the story we were told and the information I was given.
And all we want for is their release so they can reunite with their families. You can only image the psychological impact and agony those young children—ages eight and ten—were subjected to.
It’s quite depressing. Thus, in order to free them from the bandits, the government must take all necessary measures.
Because such a degree of insanity cannot be placed in the hands of rational individuals
We haven’t actually gotten any calls for a ransom or demand up to this point.
However, based on the information I’ve received from the DSS and the police, they are taking all the required steps to guarantee their release. Thus, we have hope. That is something we are eager to see.
Editor of the Nation expresses shock
The Nation Newspapers’ Editor, Mr. Adeniyi Adesina, expressed shock when he was notified about the possibility that their reporter may be the target of kidnappers for carrying out his duties.
He expressed hope that his man will be returned to them safely, even though he said the Nigeria Police had confirmed the occurrence.
Additionally, the Kaduna State Council of the NUJ denounced and called the kidnapping of the journalists and their families “barbaric.”
The event was denounced in a statement released by Council Chairman Asmau Halilu and Secretary Gambo Sanga.
They also urged state security forces to take immediate action to free the journalists and their families who were being held captive.
“The ugly phenomenon of kidnapping in Kaduna and environs is now resurfacing and must be checked to avert the experiences of the recent past,”
the NUJ said, pleading with the government at all levels to step up efforts to ensure the security of citizens’ lives and property at all times.
The NUJ prayed for the safe return of the kidnapped journalists and their families and ordered all active journalists in the state to exercise caution in their everyday work.
