Over 200 volunteers have stormed neighbouring bushes of Birnin Yore, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State in search of the wife and son of Nasiru Yakubu, a journalist with the Voice of America (VOA) Hausa Service, abducted by unknown gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, a close family relation has disclosed.

Mr. Yakubu, when contacted, Thursday, also confirmed that N12 million ransom demand was made by the kidnappers for their release.

“I told them I have never seen that kind of money in my life, let alone own it. But, we are talking with them. We are also seeking for prayers for their safe return

“We are also extending our profound condolence to the family, staff and management of FRSC over the death of the FRSC marshal, that was shot while trying to prevent the kidnappers,” he said.

The journalist had posted on his Facebook wall Wednesday morning that kidnappers stormed his house at Birnin Yero, a small community in Kaduna State, at about 1:30 a.m. and took away his wife and son.

A source close to the family told journalists Wednesday evening that they were still negotiating to rescue the captives.

“They called him (Mr. Yakubu) this afternoon demanding N12 million ransom,” said the source who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak with journalists on the matter.

“The money is too much for the family but we are negotiating to see how the wife and child will return home safely,” he said.

The source declined to make further comments so as not to jeopardise the safety of the victims.

“We don’t know who is listening. That is why we are being careful talking about the issue. Our concern for now is to see how they will be freed safely, God willing,” he said.

The source said a few weeks ago, a woman was also kidnapped in the community and a ransom was paid to secure her freedom.

Kidnappers had been terrorising the ‎community, where 10 people were reportedly abducted within six months.

“My community is a bit far from his but I can tell you that about ten people have so far been kidnapped in Birnin Yero in less than six months. Their family paid ransom before they regain their freedom,” a source said.

‎The journalist was not at home when the kidnappers arrived his resident Wednesday night around 1:30 a.m.

‎His neighbour and staff of FRSC was shot dead by the kidnappers when he tried to stop them.

“I will like seize this opportunity to thank Nigerians for their prayers and hundreds of youth volunteers who are have risked their lives to storm the neighbouring bushes in search of the kidnapped wife and son,” a close family relations of the journalists said.