The security situation in Kaduna and Zamfara States continues to deteriorate as more cases of abduction are reported. In Kaduna State, gunmen kidnapped two journalists and their families on Saturday night. The victims are AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Kaduna State NUJ Council, and his three family members, as well as Abdulraheem Aodo, a correspondent for Blueprint Newspaper, and his wife. The kidnapping occurred around 10:30 pm in Danhono 2, Millennium City, Kaduna. The kidnappers stormed the community, shooting sporadically before carrying out the abduction. The police have deployed operatives into the bush where the kidnappers are suspected to be holding the victims captive. Efforts are being made to secure their release [17665c49] [f0d84c35].
In a separate incident in Zamfara State, the family of Bassey Daniel, a prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member from Akwa Ibom State, is appealing for assistance in rescuing him. Daniel, from Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, is the only remaining victim still held by the kidnappers. On June 12, 2024, the kidnappers released the female victim, leaving Daniel as the last remaining hostage. The family is appealing to relevant stakeholders, including the state government, for help in bringing him back home to his mother [6f760d72].
The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of the journalists and is working tirelessly to secure their release. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the abduction and called for the immediate release of the journalists and their families. The NUJ has also urged the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to guarantee the security of citizens [f0d84c35] [25815b54].
The security situation in Kaduna and Zamfara States is a cause for concern, with rising cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities. The government and security agencies are under pressure to take decisive action to address the escalating insecurity in these states [47fe7ec8].