- Police launch manhunt
A private security guard (maiguard) employed by a Minna-based businessman has allegedly disappeared with his employer’s six-year-old twin sons, sparking fears of a kidnapping incident in Niger State.
The suspect, identified as Sani Abdulraham, reportedly vanished with the twins, Umar and Anas, on Sunday in the Brighter Area of Minna.
The children’s father, Alhaji Danjuma, was said to have discovered that both his sons and the security guard were missing after returning home.
Reports said that the businessman was away when the security guard allegedly took the children out on a motorcycle for Eid al-Kabir celebrations.
The motorcycle was reportedly provided by the employer for the guard’s use.
Family members initially suspected that the children and the guard might have been involved in an accident due to their prolonged absence and subsequently searched several hospitals across the metropolis.
However, the situation took a more troubling turn when indications emerged that the children had been abducted.
Narrating how the incident unfolded, Danjuma said he received a telephone call later that evening from unknown individuals who claimed to be in the Erena Forest area of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to him, the callers informed him that his children were in their custody and demanded ransom payment for their release.
Although the distraught father declined to disclose the amount demanded, he appealed to the Niger State Government, security agencies, and members of the public to assist in securing the safe return of his children.
“I appeal to the government and security agencies to help rescue my children. I also call on Nigerians to pray for their safe return,” he said.
Confirming the incident, spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the case was reported to the Police at about 1:00pm on Sunday.
He disclosed that investigation has commenced, adding that efforts are ongoing to locate the children and apprehend the criminals.
The police spokesperson assured that the command is actively pursuing all available leads to ensure the safe rescue of the twins.