A week after being kidnapped by robbers, two journalists have been released.
On Saturday, July 7th, Abdulgafar Alabelewe of the Nation Newspaper and AbdulRaheem Aodu of Blueprint Newspaper were taken from their houses in the Danhonu neighbourhood in Kaduna’s Millennium City of Chikun Local Government Area.
Although police officials in the state have not acknowledged the occurrence, a relative of one of the victims told media that they were freed on Saturday afternoon and are on their way to Abuja for medical treatment.
Abdulgafar Alabelewe, a journalist, was released along with his wife and two children who had been kidnapped.
Asma’u Yawo Halilu, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna State Council, also confirmed the journalists’ freedom.
“To the glory of God Almighty, our colleagues, Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Abduraheem Aodu, and their families have been released,” according to a statement.
“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 the trying time.”
The rescued journalists were taken to Abuja for a security briefing and medical care.