Armed bandits have struck again in Kaduna State, kidnapping a veteran photojournalist and several other residents from the Danhonu II community in Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area. The incident has plunged the area into renewed fear and anxiety.
Attack on a Veteran Journalist
According to sources within the community, the kidnappers targeted the residence of Malam Umar Usman Iyale, a retired staff member of the Africa Independent Television (AIT) Kaduna Station and former employee of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Kaduna. The attack occurred at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026.
The gunmen executed the operation quietly and in a coordinated fashion. They gained access to the compound at a time when some family members were still away from home. A community source revealed that the assailants first demanded money from the elderly journalist. When he could not meet their demand, they forcefully took him to an unknown destination.
Community in Distress and Recurring Trauma
The abduction has caused significant distress in Danhonu II, with residents particularly worried about Malam Umar's well-being. He was described as an elderly man facing health challenges, leading to grave concerns about his ability to endure the ordeal. “He is not someone who can withstand hardship for long. Everyone here is worried,” a resident stated.
A local leader lamented the recurring pattern of kidnappings in the area, noting that repeated attacks have forced numerous residents and landlords to abandon their homes. This exodus has, in turn, slowed down development in the community.
This latest incident has also revived painful memories of a previous attack on journalists in the same community. In July 2024, two journalists—AbdulGafar Alabelewe of The Nation newspaper (now Chairman of the Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists) and AbdulRaheem Aodu of Blueprint Newspaper—were kidnapped alongside members of their families.
Calls for Action and Police Response
Residents have called for more decisive and sustained security measures to dismantle the criminal gangs operating in their area. They acknowledged the ongoing Kaduna Peace Model efforts but stressed that the initiative needs to be strengthened to effectively address persistent kidnapping hotspots.
In response, the Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, has immediately deployed a team of operatives. Their mission is to track down the abductors and ensure the safe release of Malam Umar Usman Iyale. An investigation has been launched to facilitate the rescue operation.
