Gunmen Abduct Two Journalists, Family Members In Kaduna

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted two journalists in Danhonu community in Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The victims, Abdulgafar Alabelewe of the Nation Newspaper and AbdulRaheem Aodu of Blueprint Newspaper, were abducted at their homes, along with their wives and children on Saturday night.

Alabelewe is the current chairman of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kaduna State Council.

According to a family member, who confirmed the incident to Channels Television, the gunmen invaded Danhonu community at about 10:30am and moved straight to the residences of the two journalists which are close to each other.

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They started shooting sporadically, and later forced themselves into the compounds and took the victims away.

It was gathered that the bandits later dropped the wife of the Blueprint reporter because she is sick.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of the two journalists and their family members, stating that security operatives are on the trail of the kidnappers with a view to arresting them and rescuing the victims safely.

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists in Kaduna State has also condemned the abduction of the two journalists and their family members, describing it as barbaric.

In a statement jointly signed by Asmara Halilu and Gambo Santos, the NUJ appealed to security agencies in the state to swing into action with a view to rescuing the Journalists and their families from the kidnappers.

The statement which expressed dismay over the unfortunate abduction of the innocent Journalists alongside their wives and children, implored government at all levels to intensify efforts towards guaranteeing the security of lives and property of the citizens at all times.

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It stressed that the ugly phenomenon of kidnapping in Kaduna and environs is now resurfacing and must be checked to avert the experiences of the recent past.

The statement, however, enjoined all practicing Journalists in the state to be vigilant in their daily activities while also praying for the safe return of their abducted colleagues and their families.(Channels)