Kidnappers of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abdulaziz Yusuf demand N60 million ransom

Kidnappers of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abdulaziz Yusuf, have demanded a N60 million ransom as condition for his release.

The cleric, who is the administrative secretary of the Plateau State branch of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) was kidnapped near Kaduna alongside his driveron Wednesdayevening on his way back to Jos from Kaduna State.The victim was to join Sheikh Khalid Aliyu in Jos so that the two would travel to Sokoto this morning on a condolence visit to the family of late Sultan of Sokoto. Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki.

Publicity Secretary for JNI, Abubakar Aliyu, who disclosed thison Thursday, described the incident as unfortunate and urged members of the organization to pray for the safe release of the captives.

“The unfortunate rise of kidnappings in Nigeria is very alarming, as this is the third in the series of kidnapping that has happened to the JNI” he said in a statement.

“The first was Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Idoko, JNI Vice President-General, South East, in September, 2015. The second was Engr. Muhammad Lawal Maidoki, Member JNI Central Publicity Committee, in September, 2016, and now Sheikh Abdul’Aziz Yusuf. We therefore, implore allJumu’ahImams to include the matter in theirKhutbahfor enlightenment and Du’a tomorrow Friday, 18th November, 2016and pray fervently for the safe and unconditional release of Sheikh Abdul’Aziz Yusuf, who is over 80 years of age.”