Kidnappers demand N100m for Sun DMD’s wife

The abductors of Toyin Nwosu, the wife of Sun newspaper deputy managing director (DMD), Steve Nwosu, have requested for a sum of N100 million to restore her freedom.

Toyin, a mother of four, was abducted at the Nwosu residence very early on Monday, after the gunmen invaded the Okota community.

Steve Nwosu confirmed the abduction of his wife and the demands of the kidnappers, appealing that the abductors should understand that journalists do not have such financial strength.

“So far, they have made contact with me demanding a ransom of N100 million. They should realise that journalists don’t have money,” he told Sun newspapers.

“I’m appealing to them to release my wife unconditionally. I wonder what is often attracting robbers to my home. My house is not the finest in the area. I’m increasingly getting frustrated.”

Numerous political and apolitical bodies have lent their voices to the release of the wife of the veteran journalist.

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Monday reiterated the “perilous nature” of the journalism profession, calling on security personnel to intervene.

“The abduction of Mrs. Nwosu from their home in Lagos is a sad reminder of the perilous nature of the journalism profession and the inability of the state to protect media professionals and other Nigerians who daily are being threatened by insecurity of life and property,” NUJ said in a statement.

“We call on the security personnel to urgently secure the release of Mrs. Nwosu, without any harm to her person and strive harder towards ensuring the safety and security of all media workers and their families.”

Olisa Metuh, on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also stood with the Nwosu family while supporting President Muhammadu Buhari’s government against kidnapping.

“The PDP declares its support for each and every policy undertaken by the present Federal Government to limit the scourge of kidnapping and other criminal activities.”

“We stand together with the government against all enemies perpetrating criminal acts against lives and property in our dear nation.”