Gunmen abduct family members of former Daily Trust Editor, Demand ₦50m ransom

Three family members of Mallam Ahmed Tahir Ajobe, a former editor at Daily Trust, were abducted by gunmen on Thursday evening along the Ankpa-Adoka-Makurdi road in Awo, Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The kidnappers are demanding a ₦50 million ransom for their release.  

The victims, comprising one male and two females, include Ajobe’s younger sister, Halimtu-Sadiya Tahir.

They were returning from a local market where they had purchased supplies for a seven-day prayer ceremony honoring their late mother, Malama Aishetu Tahir, who passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness.  

A family source revealed that the kidnappers contacted the family on Friday afternoon to make their ransom demand. “Negotiations are ongoing, but no ransom has been paid yet, and the victims remain in captivity,” the source disclosed.  

Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, confirmed the incident, stating that the Divisional Police Officer in the area had deployed officers to track down the perpetrators and secure the victims’ release.  

Police Commissioner Bethrand Onuoha has also ordered the deployment of tactical units to support rescue operations. Aya assured residents that all measures are being taken to apprehend the kidnappers and ensure the safe return of the hostages.  

This abduction underscores the growing insecurity in parts of Kogi State, leaving many residents increasingly concerned about their safety.