A high-ranking director at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat in Abuja, Dr. Adekunle Raif Adeniji, has been abducted by gunmen. Dr. Adeniji, who serves as the Director of Administration, was kidnapped two weeks ago within the Federal Capital Territory. The assailants have contacted his family, demanding a ransom of ₦350 million for his release.
As of now, neither the APC National Secretariat nor security agencies have issued official statements regarding the incident. Dr. Adeniji was appointed to his current position in August 2024, following the resignation of the former Director of Administration, Prof. Alaba Adediwura.
This abduction highlights the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, where kidnapping for ransom has become increasingly prevalent. A recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that Nigerians paid a total of ₦2.23 trillion as ransom to kidnappers between May 2023 and April 2024, with 2.2 million individuals reportedly kidnapped during that period.
The authorities are yet to provide updates on efforts to secure Dr. Adeniji’s release. The incident underscores the persistent threat of abductions in the country, affecting individuals across various sectors.
