Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted a photojournalist, Umar Iyale, in the Danhonu II community of Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
Iyale was reportedly kidnapped from his residence. The victim is said to be nursing an undisclosed ailment at the time of the attack, raising concerns about his health and safety while in captivity.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Mansir Hassan, said security operatives have launched a coordinated operation to rescue the abducted journalist and arrest those responsible.
“Yes, the command is aware of the abduction of a photojournalist in Danhonu II. We have commenced intensive efforts to track down the perpetrators and ensure the safe rescue of the victim,” Hassan said.
He also called on residents of Danhonu II and neighbouring Millennium City to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful and timely information that could support the ongoing rescue mission.
“We appeal to members of the public to remain calm and assist the police with credible intelligence that can help in rescuing the victim and apprehending the suspects,” the police spokesperson added.
The abduction has sparked renewed security concerns in Kaduna State, coming after nearly two years of relative peace attributed to the state government’s collaborative and strategic engagement with security agencies to curb banditry and other crimes across several communities.
Residents have expressed worry that the incident could signal a resurgence of criminal activity, urging authorities to intensify security patrols and preventive measures to protect lives and property.
