2 Nigerian Journalists and Their Families Freed After Week in Captivity

Kaduna– Two Nigerian journalists, Abdulgafar Alabelewe of The Nation newspaper and Abduraheem Aodu of Blueprint Newspaper, along with their family members, have been released after spending a week in captivity. 

The journalists and their families were kidnapped by gunmen who stormed the Danhonu Community in Millennium City, Chikun Local Government area of Kaduna State last week.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, Comrade Asma’u Yawo Halilu, confirmed the release late Saturday. The official statement did not disclose whether a ransom was paid to secure their freedom.

“To the glory of God Almighty, our colleagues, Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Abduraheem Aodu, and their families have been released,” the statement read. The NUJ expressed profound gratitude to the Kaduna State Police Command, the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Security Service (DSS), the Inspector-General of Police, the Kaduna State Government, the NUJ President, and all Nigerians who offered their prayers during this challenging time.

The statement also mentioned that a reunion would soon be organized in Kaduna to celebrate the safe return of the hostages. 

Earlier reports detailed the harrowing incident, as described by a family member, Taofeeq Olayemi. The bandits attacked the community at about 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 6, 2024, firing shots sporadically before carrying out the kidnappings. Alabelewe, his wife, and two of his children were taken, while Aodu and his wife were also abducted, leaving behind their sick daughter. 

According to Daily Trust Newspaper, the bandits initially kidnapped Alabelewe, his wife, three of his children, and a girl staying with them. They later released one child and the girl. The assailants broke through doors and windows and scaled the fence to gain entry.

The abduction of Alabelewe, who is also the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel in the NUJ Council, and other hostages sparked outrage in the media community. 

Following their release, an outpouring of goodwill messages has been received by the families and the media fraternity. Friends, families, and well-wishers have expressed their gratitude, thanking God for the safe return of the hostages and the efforts of all involved in securing their release.