A veteran photojournalist, Malam Umar Usman Iyale, has been abducted by bandits in Danhonu II community, Millennium City, in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, sparking renewed fear among residents of the area.

Malam Umar, a retired staff of Africa Independent Television (AIT), Kaduna Station, and formerly of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Kaduna, was taken from his residence at about 9:00pm on Monday, according to community sources.

Residents said the gunmen carried out the operation quietly but in a coordinated manner, gaining access to the compound at a time when some members of the journalist’s family were yet to return home. Another community leader lamented what he described as a recurring pattern of kidnappings in the area, noting that repeated attacks have forced many residents and landlords to abandon their homes, thereby slowing development in the community.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the incident, saying it has launched an investigation aimed at rescuing the victim unhurt.