Gunmen kidnap journalist’s relatives in Kogi, demand N50m ransom

Gunmen have kidnapped three relatives of Ahmed Ajobe, the former editor of Daily Trust newspaper.

The victims were kidnapped on Thursday along the Ankpa-Adoka-Markudi road while returning from a market at Awo community in Ankpa LGA of Kogi state.

One of the victims — Halimtu-Sadiya Tahir — is Ajobe’s immediate younger sister.

NAN reports that a family friend said the victims were abducted when they went to the market to purchase items for the seven-day funeral rites of the journalist’s late mother.

The family friend said the abductors are demanding a N50 million ransom for the victims.

“Yes, three of Ajobe’s family members were kidnapped at gunpoint at about 3pm on Thursday,” the family friend said.

“The kidnappers reached out on Friday afternoon demanding for N50 million 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 yet been paid, and the victims are still in captivity.”

Speaking on the incident, William Aya, Kogi police spokesperson, said the divisional police officer in charge of the area has deployed officers for rescue operation.

Aya said the police will do everything to ensure the safe release of the victims.