Gunmen Kidnap 11 Journalists In Anambra; 1 Killed, 6 Rescued So Far

Gunmen Kidnap 11 Journalists In Ihiala; 1 Killed, 6 Rescued So Far

A total of 11 sports journalists were kidnapped in Ihiala local government in Anambra State en route Uyo, Akwa Ibom State to cover the Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya. As at the time of IMAGE NEWS filling this report, six of them have been rescued by joint security forces in Anambra State while one journalist is reportedly killed by the kidnappers.

The abduction took place on the Iseke -Orlu Road in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State on Wednesday.

The media men were part of an 11-member media crew travelling from Lagos to Akwa Ibom State when they were ambushed.

Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the rescue of the  six sports journalists out of the 11 abducted but was mute on the reported of one journalist. 

“The joint security forces have rescued six members of the media crew who were abducted while travelling from Lagos to Uyo,” Mr Ikenga said in a statement on Thursday. He revealed further that efforts  to locate and rescue the rest journalists was ongoing.

“Operations are still ongoing for the possible rescue of the seventh crew member. Further development shall be communicated,” Mr Ikenga added.

According to reports from Anambra State, the abduction occurred in a region under the influence of secessionist groups, making the area particularly dangerous for travellers.

While the driver of the bus was reportedly shot dead by the kidnappers, the body of one of the abducted journalists was also reportedly found yesterday while two others escaped. Only two sportswriters are believed still with the kidnappers.

In a press statement issued by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), the umbrella body for sports journalists in the country commended the Nigeria Police for the timely intervention in the release of its members.
National President of SWAN, Isaiah Benjamin, commended the Security Operatives, particularly the Nigerian Army and Police for their prompt action which ensured that up to six of the held sports journalists regained their freedom while efforts to get the remaining freed is ongoing”, the body stated.

A respected football journalist and former Super Eagles Media Officer, Colin Udoh, who broke the news of the ugly incident on his X page, the journalist killed was a former SuperSport colleague and part of the production crew for the match.

The crew was kidnapped on Wednesday while en route to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where the match is scheduled to take place.

Mr Udoh revealed that the team had taken a shortcut through a notorious hotspot to save fuel, unfortunately falling prey to kidnappers. Some crew members have been freed, but at least two remain unaccounted for.

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