Kidnappers Target Family in Kogi State, Demand N50 Million Ransom for Their Return

Halimatu-Sadiya Tahir, the younger sister of Ahmed Ajobe, is one of the individuals who were abducted. They were at the market to buy supplies for mourning rituals for their mother, Aishetu Tahir, who recently died after a prolonged illness.

Three family members of former Daily Trust Editor, Ahmed Ajobe, were kidnapped by armed individuals on Thursday evening in Kogi State. The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N50 million.

Halimatu-Sadiya Tahir, Mr. Ajobe’s immediate sister, is among those taken. They were out shopping for items needed for prayers after the recent death of Aishetu Tahir, who passed away on Sunday.

Ajobe was preparing for the seven-day mourning period and could not be reached for comments at the moment.

The victims, which include a man and two women, were abducted while returning from a market in Awo, located in the Ankpa Local Government Area, along the poorly maintained Ankpa-Adoka-Markudi road.

A family friend, choosing to remain anonymous, verified the ransom demand, relaying to PUNCH that, “Yes, three of Ajobe’s family members were taken at gunpoint around 3pm on Thursday.”

The source added, “The kidnappers contacted us on Friday, asking for N50 million as ransom.”

They further stated, “I am unsure if the family is negotiating, as I had to leave the area for an emergency in Lokoja.”

“What I can confirm is that no ransom has been paid yet, and the individuals are still unaccounted for.”

The Police Public Relations Officer in Kogi State, William Aya, has confirmed the kidnapping incident. He stated that the Divisional Police Officer responsible for that region has dispatched a team to aid in the rescue efforts.

Additionally, he mentioned that the Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, has called for the police tactical unit to be reinforced to ensure the victims’ safe return and to pursue justice against the kidnappers.