Bandits abduct veteran photojournalist in Kaduna Community

From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna

A veteran photojournalist, Malam Umar Usman Iyale, has been abducted by bandits in the Danhonu II community of Millennium City, in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, raising 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 sources in the community.

Residents reported that the gunmen carried out their operation quietly yet in a coordinated manner, entering the compound at a time when some members of the journalist’s family had not yet returned home.

According to a community source, the attackers demanded money from Malam Umar. When he was unable to provide any, they forcibly took him away to an unknown location.

The abduction has increased anxiety in Danhonu II, with many residents expressing concern for Malam Umar’s safety, noting that he is elderly and facing health challenges. “He is not someone who can withstand hardship for long. Everyone here is worried,” said a local resident.

Another community leader commented on the ongoing issue of kidnappings in the area, mentioning that repeated attacks have caused many residents to abandon their homes, slowing down development in the community.

This incident has also brought back memories of the July 2024 abduction of two journalists, including AbdulGafar Alabelewe, the current Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna State Council, and AbdulRaheem Aodu of Blueprint Newspaper, who were kidnapped alongside their families from the same community.

Residents have called for stronger and more effective security measures to combat the activities of criminal gangs, despite ongoing efforts under the Kaduna Peace Model, which they believe need to be enhanced to address the issue of kidnapping.

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.