- The abduction occurred as Ajobe was preparing for the seven-day prayers for his mother, Aishetu Tahir, who passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness
Gunmen abducted three relatives of Ahmed Ajobe, a former editor at Daily Trust, on Thursday evening in Awo, Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The victims, including Ajobe’s younger sister, Halimatu-Sadiya Tahir, were kidnapped while returning from a market along the Ankpa-Adoka-Markudi road.
The abduction occurred as Ajobe was preparing for the seven-day prayers for his mother, Aishetu Tahir, who passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness. The victims had gone to the market to purchase items for the prayers.
A family friend, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N50 million for the release of the victims. The kidnappers made contact with the family on Friday afternoon.
The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, confirmed the incident and stated that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area has deployed officers to ensure the rescue of the victims. The state Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, has also ordered the deployment of a police tactical team to reinforce the existing team.
The police have assured that everything possible will be done to ensure the safe release of the abducted persons and bring the perpetrators to justice.