Kidnapping: Act Swiftly To Rescue Abducted Journalists, Families- NUJ Tasks Security Agencies

The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) says it has received with shock the brazen and barbaric attack by suspected kidnappers that resulted in the abduction of the kaduna Correspondents of THE NATION Newspaper and THE BLUE PRINT Newspaper alongside their families last night at their residences in Danhono area of Kaduna metropolis.

A Statement issued and signed by the Council Chairman, Comrade Asmau Yawo Halilu and the Secretary, Comrade Gambo Santos Sanga condemned the ugly incident and appealed to security agencies in the state to swing into action with a view to rescuing the Journalists and their families.

The statement which expressed dismay over the unfortunate abduction of the innocent Journalists alongside their wives and children, urged government at all levels to intensify efforts towards guaranteeing the security of lives and property of the citizens at all times.
It notes with concern that kidnapping in kaduna and environs is resurfacing, saying it should be checked to avert the experiences of the recent past.

The Council advised 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.

Also in a reaction, the Vice Chairman and Secretary of the Correspondents Chapel, Maryam Suka and Muhammad Rabiu who condemned the ugly situation in strong terms, described it as a Black Saturday for the Chapel.

“On Saturday night, tragedy struck our union and chapel as two of our active members, the Chairman of our chapel, Abdulgafar Alabelewe of The Nation, and Abdulraheem Aodu of Blueprint, were abducted alongside their family members in the most barbaric and bizarre manner. This tragedy, to say the least, is a ‘Black Saturday’ that will ever remain green in our minds.

“The six-member gang attacked their residences some minutes past ten and took them into the forest.

“This morning (Sunday), the wife of Aodu was however released by the hoodlums.

‘We appreciate the unwavering efforts of the Council and the concern of our members who have been calling to sympathize with us since the ugly incident occurred.

“We also appreciate the efforts of security agencies and the Government in ensuring that our members and their families are released unconditionally.

“While we continue to remain calm and pray for their safe return, we want to advise our members to be careful with their movements.

“It’s sad and heartbreaking that we all woke up with the sad news on the abduction of our brothers and thier families, we pray Allah will protect them from any harm and return them back to us safely”.