Six of the eleven journalists who were reportedly kidnapped while en route to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, have been rescued by security forces.
The journalists were traveling through Anambra State to cover the Super Eagles’ match against Libya when they were abducted.
The incident occurred on Wednesday as the journalists were on a bus passing through Isseke, near Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Confirming the successful rescue, 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 light of this alarming incident, the National Secretariat of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) released a statement from Ikenna Okonkwo, urging state chapters to provide the full list and identities of their members who were 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,” the statement said.
The association expressed its concern for the affected journalists and reassured members that SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and the National Executive Committee are actively focused on the welfare and well-being of their members. They noted that they have received numerous inquiries about the situation, although nothing has been officially confirmed.
In addition, SWAN advised its members to always notify their local secretariats of their travel plans during critical periods such as this, especially in Nigeria.
