The kidnappers of Dr. Adekunle Raif Adeniji, the Director of Administration at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat in Abuja, have demanded a ransom of N350 million for his release.
According to reports, his family has been contacted by the abductors, who insist that the ransom must be paid before he is freed.
A family member, speaking to our reporter, confirmed that Dr. Adeniji and others taken alongside him remain in captivity.
“The director and others are still in captivity, and the abductors said he will not be released until the money is paid.”
A source within the APC also corroborated the development, telling Daily Trust that efforts are being made to secure his release.
Dr. Adeniji was abducted two weeks ago by armed men wielding AK-47 rifles in the Chikakore area of Kubwa, within the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He was taken along with three others, including his brother, his brother’s wife, and their son.
Reports indicate that he had visited his brother’s residence when the gunmen stormed the area.
Tragically, the brother’s wife, Madam Esther, was killed, and her body was discovered the next morning in Ijah-Gbagyi, Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State.
Chikakore, a community on the outskirts of Kubwa, is located approximately 30 kilometers from central Abuja.
Dr. Adeniji assumed office as Director of Administration in August 2024, following the resignation of his predecessor, Prof. Alaba Adediwura. His appointment was formally confirmed in a letter issued by the party’s National Secretary.
APC Confirms Abduction:
Senior APC officials have acknowledged the abduction but have refrained from providing extensive details on the matter.
A source at the party’s national secretariat stated:
“Yes, it’s true. But it’s not something that we want to discuss.”
Regarding the ransom demand, another party official commented:
“Well, efforts are being made to secure his release, and we don’t want to blow it.”
Another senior official at the party’s secretariat in Abuja also confirmed the incident, stating:
“It’s true. This one I am telling you is a confidential confirmation. But we are seeing to his release soon.”
However, there has been no official statement from the National Working Committee (NWC) or security personnel attached to the party’s secretariat regarding the incident.
Efforts to get a response from the police were unsuccessful, as the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, did not answer calls or respond to messages seeking an update.
One Week After, Abducted General Still in Captivity
In another case of abduction, retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga and nine others remain in captivity one week after being taken by bandits in Tsiga town, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Tsiga, a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was kidnapped last Wednesday when over 100 armed men stormed his residence at midnight.
The kidnappers have reportedly contacted his family, demanding a ransom of N250 million for his release. However, details of any negotiations remain unclear.
The Chairman of Bakori Local Government, Alhaji Aliyu Mai Chitta, confirmed that efforts are being made to rescue the hostages.
Expressing concern over the possible role of informants in the attack, he stated:
“If not for informants, how would bandits know that he was in town, let alone come to abduct him?”
He reassured that security agencies are actively working to secure their release.
Meanwhile, residents, particularly women, have been offering prayers for the safe return of General Tsiga.
A local resident noted that his generosity toward the less privileged had prompted many to seek divine intervention for his freedom.
