By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Bandits have released the two abducted Kaduna journalists, Abdulgafar Alabelewe and Abduraheem Aodu, and their families, who were kidnapped last week Saturday.

Recall that the bandits on July 7, 2024, invaded Danhonu community in the Millennium City of Chikun local government area of Kaduna state and abducted two journalists and their families.

One of the victims’ family members, Taofeeq Olayemi, had confirmed that the bandits invaded the area around 10.30 p.m. and shot indiscriminately before carrying out their act.

Olayemi said the bandits kidnapped Alabelewe, his wife, and two of his children, while Aodu and his wife, who was also sick, were kidnapped, leaving behind their sick daughter.

“Initially, they picked Abdulgafar, his wife, three of his children and a girl staying with them before asking the girl to return with one of the children and left with Abdulgafar, his wife, and two children.

“They shattered their doors and windows and removed their burglary after scaling the fence,” Taofeeq had said.

Confirming their release in a statement, the Chairperson of the Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Asma’u Yawo Halilu on Saturday, also expressed her appreciation to all those involved in the release of the media professionals and their families.

It reads: “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.

“We will soon announce when they will join us in Kaduna so that we can visit, rejoice and glorify God with them.”