Two journalists, Alhaji AbdulGafar Alabelewe of The Nation newspaper and AbdulRaheem Aodu of Blueprint newspaper, who were kidnapped alongside their family members on July 7, 2024, in the Danhonu community of Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna, have been released.
News About Nigeria gathered that the bandits had earlier released AbdulRaheem’s wife while keeping the journalists and other family members in captivity.
Confirming their release, AbdulGafar’s elder brother, Barrister Mas’ud Mobolaji Alabelewe, stated that the freed victims are now receiving treatment in Abuja.
“To God be the glory, our loved ones have been released. It was a week of terror for the whole family, but we thank Allah that they have been released. We want to thank everyone that supported us with prayers through our trying times,” he said.
In a statement, Asma’u Yawo Halilu, Chairman of the Kaduna Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), expressed relief and gratitude over the release.
“To the glory of God Almighty, our colleagues, AbdulGafar Alabelewe, AbdulRaheem Aodu, and their families have been released. The Council extends its profound gratitude to the office of the CP, Kaduna State Command, the office of the NSA, the DG of the DSS, the Inspector General of Police, the Kaduna State government, the NUJ President, and all well-meaning Nigerians who prayed with us during this trying time,” she stated.
The Council also announced plans for the journalists’ return to Kaduna, where they will be welcomed and celebrated.
“We will soon announce when they will join us in Kaduna so that we can visit, rejoice, and glorify God with them,’ Halilu added.
