Six of the 11 journalists reportedly kidnapped while travelling to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State through Anambra State to cover the Super Eagles’ game against Libya have been rescued by security agents.
The journalists were said to have been abducted on Wednesday on a bus travelling through Isseke, near Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
However, it is reported that one of the journalists was shot d£ad by the kidnappers during the atta3k
Confirming the incident, the state police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated, “Joint security forces have successfully rescued six members of the media crew who were abducted while travelling from Lagos to Uyo along the Isseke-Orlu Road in Ihiala. Operations are still ongoing for the possible rescue of a seventh crew member. Further developments shall be communicated.”
In response to the situation, the National Secretariat of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria issued a statement by Ikenna Okonkwo, urging state chapters to provide the full list and identities of their members covering the Super Eagles’ qualifying match. “Following the rumoured kidnap of some sports writers said to be on their way to Uyo to cover the Super Eagles match against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya, we urge the state chapter leaderships to immediately furnish the national secretariat with any necessary information regarding any SWAN member who might be involved.
At the moment, the SWAN President, Mr Isaiah Benjamin, and indeed the National Executive Committee are committed to the welfare and well-being of members and have been inundated with calls on the situation, but nothing has been confirmed yet,” the statement read. The association also advised members to always inform their local secretariats of their movements during critical times such as this in Nigeria.
