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72 Hours After Abduction: Fate of Kaduna Journalists Still Unknown |
Kaduna — Approximately 72 hours after two journalists and their family members were abducted in the Danhonu community of Kaduna Millennium City, their whereabouts remain unknown. Their relatives continue to stay close to their phones, hoping for any news.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) have joined the growing list of groups and individuals condemning the abductions, describing them as heinous and unacceptable.
In separate statements, NEF and AYCF called on security agencies to ensure the unconditional and immediate release of the abducted individuals.
Recall that Abdulgafar Alabelewe of The Nation Newspaper, his wife, two children, and Abdulraheem Aodu of Blueprint Newspaper were abducted by bandits in Kaduna on Saturday.
Abdulraheem’s wife, who was abandoned in the bush by the terrorists due to her ill health, has reunited with her ailing child and is receiving treatment in a medical facility after the traumatic experience.
Taofeeq Olayemi, a family member, stated that no contact had been made with the families since the abductions. “It is a very trying period for the family because we do not know the situation they are in and we do not know where they are. We are just praying to Allah to protect them and soften the hearts of their abductors,” he said.
The office of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Kaduna NUJ was under lock and key, with only a few workers and neighboring shop owners discussing the sad incident in groups. Alhaji Alabelewe is the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Kaduna, Mansir Hassan, said operatives are doing their best to secure the release of the victims unharmed and have deployed their operatives into the bush where the kidnappers are suspected to be hiding.
It’s Deeply Worrisome—NEF
The NEF, in a statement by its Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, said: “The continued targeted kidnappings of journalists, such as the harrowing abduction of Abdulgafar Alabelewe of The Nation Newspaper, his wife, two children, and Abdulraheem Aodu of Blueprint Newspaper, are not only disheartening but also deeply worrisome.
“This trend poses a significant threat to the safety of journalists and their families and could potentially escalate into greater conflict and confusion if left unaddressed.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the abducted journalists and their families during this distressing time.”
AYCF Reacts
The President General of the forum, Yerima Shettima, in a statement, said: “The news of the kidnap of two Kaduna-based journalists and some of their family members is very shocking, worrisome, and unacceptable.”
