Gunmen have abducted an official of the Nigerian Navy, Musa Lawal, from his residence in Kogi State.
Lawal reportedly worked at the naval headquarters in Abuja.
He was said to have travelled on Monday to his residence after he was granted leave by the Navy.
A naval officer, who asked not to be named, said the gunmen broke into his house on Tuesday and whisked him away.
The officer said his abductors demanded N3m ransom initially, but reduced it to N1m after pleas from his wife.
He said, “An able seaman who works at the naval headquarters in Abuja was abducted at his private home at Wada Post Flood Housing Estate, Kogi State, in the early hours of Tuesday. He travelled home on Monday to commence his leave. The gunmen forcefully gained entrance into his house and abducted him. His abductors have contacted his family and demanded a ransom. Initially, they demanded N3m but they have reduced it to N1m after pleas from his wife. As I speak, negotiation is still ongoing. The Navy is also doing all it can to ensure he returns safely. “
The Director of Information, Naval Headquarters, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, confirmed the incident.
He said efforts were ongoing to ensure his safe return.
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