Gunmen have abducted three family members of Malam Ahmed Tahir Ajobe, a former editor at Daily Trust, along the deteriorating Ankpa-Adoka-Makurdi road in Awo, Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State. The captors are demanding a ransom of N50 million for their release.
The victims, identified as a man and two women, include Halimtu-Sadiya Tahir, the immediate younger sister of Ajobe. The trio was kidnapped on Thursday evening while returning from a local market where they had purchased items for a 7-day prayer ceremony in honor of their late mother, Malama Aishetu Tahir, who passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness.
Sources close to the family revealed that the kidnappers contacted them on Friday afternoon to demand a ransom of N50 million. “Negotiations are ongoing, but no ransom has been paid yet, and the victims remain in captivity,” a family friend disclosed.
Confirming the incident, Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, stated that officers had been deployed to track down the abductors and ensure the victims’ safe release.
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“The Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, has ordered tactical reinforcements to bolster rescue operations. We are taking all necessary measures to secure the release of the victims and apprehend the perpetrators,” Aya assured.
This incident highlights the worsening security situation in parts of Kogi State, where residents frequently face threats of violence, abduction, and extortion along poorly maintained roadways. The Ankpa-Adoka-Makurdi road, in particular, has become notorious for its hazardous conditions and criminal activity.
The abduction has sparked renewed calls for the government to address the rising insecurity in the region and improve road infrastructure to enhance safety for travelers.
