From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
A veteran photojournalist, Malam Umar Usman Iyale, has been abducted by bandits in the Danhonu II community of Millennium City, located in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The incident has raised significant concerns among local residents.
Malam Umar, a retired staff member of Africa Independent Television (AIT) at the Kaduna Station and a former employee of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Kaduna, was taken from his home around 9:00 PM on Monday, according to community sources.
Residents reported that the gunmen executed their operation quietly and in a coordinated manner, entering the compound while some members of the journalist’s family were still away from home.
According to a source in the community, the attackers demanded money from Malam Umar. When he was unable to comply, they forcibly took him away to an unknown location.
This abduction has heightened anxiety in Danhonu II, as many residents worry for Malam Umar’s safety, particularly given his elderly age and health challenges. “He is not someone who can endure hardship for long. Everyone here is concerned,” said a local resident.
Another community leader commented on the ongoing problem of kidnappings in the area, noting that repeated attacks have forced many residents to abandon their homes, hindering development in the community.
This incident also brings back memories of the July 2024 abduction of two journalists, including AbdulGafar Alabelewe, who is the current Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna State Council, and AbdulRaheem Aodu of Blueprint Newspaper, both of whom were kidnapped along with their families from the same community.
Residents have called for stronger and more effective security measures to combat the activities of criminal gangs. Although efforts under the Kaduna Peace Model are ongoing, many believe they need to be enhanced to address the issue of kidnapping more effectively.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation has been launched to rescue the victim unharmed. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, mentioned that the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, has deployed a team of operatives to track down the abductors and secure Malam Umar’s safe return.
