Abducted Journalists, Ex-NLC President Regain Freedom 

Gunmen have released the former leader of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Takai Shamang, who was abducted.

Two journalists who were also abducted along with their family members in Kaduna State, have also regained their freedom.

The journalists were freed on Saturday, after spending seven days in captivity.

Recall that gunmen invaded Shamang’s country home in Biniki village in Kaura Local Government of Kaduna State and took away the 78-year-old former unionist.

One of his daughters, Mrs Grace Abbin, confirmed her father’s release via a post on her WhatsApp status, yesterday.

“To God Almighty be the Glory. My family lack words to appreciate everyone of you for the safe return of our daddy, comrade Elder Takai A. Shamang,” she wrote.

She, however, did not state the circumstances of his release and whether a ransom was paid.

Shamang is the President and Founder of Gantys Aid for Widows, Orphans and Needy Foundation, popularly known as GAWON Foundation.

He was also a former President General of the National Union of Electricity and Gas Workers, now the National Union of Electricity Employees, between 1982 and 1989.

Meanwhile, the two journalists – The Nation’s Abdulgafar Alabelewe and his Blueprint newspaper’s counterpart, AbdulRaheem Aodu, who were kidnapped seven days ago along with their wives and children were released on Saturday night.

The bandits had in large numbers invaded their Dahono Community in the Millennium City axis of Chikun Local Government Area of the state around 10:30 pm, penultimate Saturday.

Alabelewe is also the current chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kaduna State Council.

Announcing their release, the Chairperson of the Kaduna Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Asma’u Yawo-Halilu, said the two journalists and their families have been released.

Yawo-Halilu thanked the National Security Adviser, Director-General of the Department of State Services, Inspector-General of Police, Kaduna State Government as well as the NUJ National President.

She said, “Dear esteemed colleagues to the glory of God Almighty, our colleagues, Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Abduraheem Aodu, and their families have been released.

“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 could visit, rejoice and glorify God with them.”

However, it could not be ascertained whether or not a ransom was paid but The Tide gathered that the two journalists and their family members have been moved to Abuja for medical attention.