Kaduna: Bandits release kidnapped journalists

Two Kaduna journalists, Abdulgafar Alabelewe of the Nation Newspaper and AbdulRaheem Aodu of Blueprint Newspaper, who were kidnapped by bandits a week ago, have regained their freedom.

NIGERIA NEWS 247 recalls that the journalists were abducted from their homes in the Danhonu community in Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna, on Saturday, July 7, along with their families. While the police authorities have not yet confirmed their release, a relative of one of the victims said they were freed on Saturday afternoon.

Abdulgafar Alabelewe was released with his wife and two children, who were kidnapped at the same time. The chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, Asma’u Yawo Halilu, confirmed the development in a statement: “To the glory of God Almighty, our colleagues, Abdulgafar Alabelewe, AbdulRaheem Aodu, and their families have been released. The council extends her profound gratitude to the office of the CP, Kaduna State Command, office of the NSA, the DG, DSS, the Inspector General of Police, Kaduna State government, the NUJ President, and all well-meaning Nigerians that prayed along with us during this trying time.”

The rescued journalists have been taken to Abuja for debriefing by security agencies and to receive medical treatment.