Three relatives of former Daily Trust Editor Ahmed Ajobe were reportedly abducted by gunmen on Thursday.
Ajobe’s immediate younger sister, Halimtu-Sadiya Tahir, was among the deceased.
According to City Round, they were abducted on their way from a small community market in Awo, Ankpa Local Government Area, Kogi State, along the awful Ankpa-Adoka-Markudi route.
Ajobe, who had lost his mother, Malama Aishetu Tahir, on Sunday after a long illness, was getting ready for the seven-day prayers.
The victims were claimed to have been kidnapped by the gunmen while going to the market to buy supplies for the ace journalist’s deceased mother’s seven-day prayer.
Although Ajobe could not be reached immediately for comment on the incident, a family friend who requested anonymity stated that their abductors have demanded N50 million for the victims’ release.
“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,” he explained.
When called, William Aya, the state police public relations officer, confirmed the event and stated that the divisional police officer in charge of the region had already deployed his troops to assure the victims’ rescue.
He stated that the Police Commissioner, Bethrand Onuoha, has also ordered the deployment of a police tactical unit to the region to supplement the existing team.
“Everything possible would be done to ensure the safe release of the abducted person and bring the criminals to justice,” Aya said.
