Three family members of a former Daily Trust editor held hostage in Kogi State
A traumatic experience unfolded on Thursday evening for the family of Mallam Ahmed Tahir Ajobe, a former editor at Daily Trust. On their way back from a local market, three relatives, including Ajobe’s younger sister, were seized by gunmen on the Ankpa-Adoka-Makurdi road in Awo, located in the Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The family had gathered earlier that day to attend a seven-day prayer ceremony to honor their deceased mother, Malama Aishetu Tahir, who had passed away on Sunday following a prolonged illness.
Following their abduction, the kidnappers made contact with the family on Friday afternoon, demanding a ransom of ₦50 million for their safe return. While negotiations are ongoing, no payment has been made, and the victims remain in captivity, according to a family acquaintance.
A representative from the Kogi State Police confirmed the occurrence of the abduction and announced that officers had been deployed to pursue the kidnappers and ensure the victims’ safe release.
Police Commissioner Bethrand Onuoha has ordered the deployment of specialized units to enhance the rescue operation, and authorities assured the community that every measure would be taken to secure the victims’ freedom and hold the perpetrators accountable.
This chilling incident highlights the pervasive security concerns plaguing Kogi State, which is currently grappling with escalating law and order issues.
