Joint security agents foil attempted abduction of Tribune editor’s family members

Joint security agents foil attempted abduction of Tribune editor’s family members

The anti-kidnapping squad in Nasarawa State has thwarted an attempt to kidnap the family of Leon Usigbe, the Abuja Bureau Chief of the Nigerian Tribune.

The incident occurred around 12.50am on Kurape Road in Karshi.

The assailants were said to have shot and wounded at least one of the neighborhood vigilante on guard during the attack.

One intruder managed to climb the perimeter fence of the editor’s house and unlocked the gate from the inside, allowing the others to enter.

Once inside, they vandalised windows with stones and attempted to break the front and back doors but were unsuccessful.

The anti-kidnapping squad, which had only recently been deployed from Lafia due to a spike in abduction incidents in the area, was alerted and arrived within minutes.

Upon their arrival, the assailants opened fire, injuring three soldiers.

In response, the squad returned fire, causing the kidnappers to flee before they could access the building.

Usigbe was not at home during the attack but his wife and children were around and visibly shaken.

This incident marks the third kidnapping attempt in the area within three months, with two families having previously paid ransoms for the release of abducted members.

The Nasarawa Police Command spokesperson, DSP Ramhan Nansel said, “Our anti-kidnapping unit repelled that incident.”