Kidnappers of Sheik Abdul’Aziz Yusuf, one-time Acting Secretary-General of Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), have contacted his family to demand N60 million ransom. Sheik Yusuf was abducted by kidnappers in Pambegwa, Kaduna State.

Sources in JNI National Headquarters in Kaduna said he was kidnapped at gunpoint with his driver along Jos-Kaduna road on Wednesday around 5:37pm.

Dr Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, Secretary General of JNI, confirmed in a statement on Friday morning in Kaduna that a N60 million ransom demand has been made by the kidnappers.

He described the unfortunate rise of kidnappings in Nigeria as “very alarming”, noting that this is the third in the series of kidnapping that has happened to JNI.

Dr. Aliyu said JNI is perturbed over the kidnap of the famous Muslim Scholar based in Jos, Plateau State, and JNI Zonal Coordinator, North Central Zone, who was Acting Secretary-General of JNI, National Headquarters, Kaduna, in the 1980s.

The Secretary General said: “The first was Sheik Adam Abdullahi Idoko, JNI Vice President-General, South East, in September 2015.

“The second was Engr. Muhammad Lawal Maidoki, Member, JNI Central Publicity Committee, in September 2016; and now Sheikh Abdul’Aziz Yusuf, demanding an outrageous amount of N60 million.”

JNI implored all Jumu’ah Imams to include the matter in their Khutbah for enlightenment and Du’a today and pray fervently for the safe and unconditional release of Sheik Abdul’Aziz Yusuf, who is over 80 years of age.

JNI also appealed to the government and security agencies at all levels to do everything possible to rescue the distinguished Muslim Scholar, hale and hearty, from the hands of the criminals.

JNI called on government at all levels to consider palliative measures to cushion the economic hardship being experienced in the country.

“This is so advised because poverty, illiteracy and corruption are predisposing factors to social vices in any organised setting.

“This is by no means trying to justify the rise of kidnapping in Nigeria. By and large, we also request that a serious national security sitting be convened with all security agencies and other stakeholders in attendance to harness national security policies on internal security management,” JNI added.

Kaduna Police spokesperson, ASP Aliyu Usman, confirmed the kidnap, adding: “We shall inform you of any development.”

•Photo shows kidnapped Sheik Abdul’Aziz Yusuf.

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