The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has issued a strong condemnation following the abduction of two of its members and their families by armed bandits.
In a statement released on Sunday by the council’s Chairman, Asma’u Halilu, and Secretary, Gambo Sanga, the NUJ expressed shock and outrage over the incident.
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The attack took place on Saturday night in the Danhonu community, Millennium City, within the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The victims, Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe of The Nation newspaper and AbdulRaheem Aodu of Blueprint Newspaper, were kidnapped along with their wives and children around 10:30 pm. Alabelewe also serves as the chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ in Kaduna State.
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Describing the abduction as “brazen and barbaric,” the NUJ called on security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the captives. “We strongly condemn this ugly incident and appeal to the security agencies to swing into action with a view to rescuing the journalists and their families from the kidnappers’ den,” the statement read.
The union urged both federal and state governments to prioritize the safety of citizens and to address the resurgence of kidnappings in Kaduna and its surroundings.
“The ugly phenomenon of kidnapping in Kaduna and its environs is now resurfacing and must be checked to avert the experiences of the recent past,” the statement continued.
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Additionally, the NUJ advised journalists in the state to remain vigilant in their daily activities while also expressing hopes for the safe return of their abducted colleagues and their families.
“We implore the government at all levels to intensify efforts towards guaranteeing the security of lives and property of the citizens at all times,” the statement concluded.
