A journalist, his wife and two siblings, kidnapped by armed bandits terrorizing Birnin-Gwari axis of Kaduna State about two weeks ago have regained their freedom after a ransom of five million naira was paid.
Police Public Relations Officer in Kaduna, DSP Yakubu Sabo, confirmed their release to our correspondent.
The Chairman, Birnin-Gwari Vanguards for Security and Good Governance, Ibrahim Abubakar Nagwari said in a statement issued on Monday that the victims were released around 7.15am at Tasha Keji near Kuriga along Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna highways after negotiation with the armed bandits for thirteen days.
The bandits had on Monday, 10th September 2018, kidnapped Yahaya Isa, a staff of NTA Kaduna, his wife and his cousins, Sama’ila Buhari and another married woman (Ummah) – all from an extended family.
Speaking further, Nagwari said, “We would like to felicitate with all the affected families for their safe return in good health. Also, we thank all those that show concerned prayers and assistance for the release of the abducted persons.”
“We want to equally register our dismay to security agencies particularly the police for their inaction to track down the kidnappers of Yahaya and others despite reliable information of their location and phone numbers of the Kidnappers given to them by prominent elders of our community.”
“It is our view that the police should be up and doing in their responsibilities of fighting the crimes of kidnapping through intelligence gathering and synergy with local volunteers and vigilantes,” Nagawari said.