- SWAN applauds security agencies’ timely response to free media men
BY ONYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – Relief has come the way of Nigeria’s Sports Writers family as the Anambra State Police Command announced the rescue of six sports journalists kidnapped by some unidentified assailants within Isseke community in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.
The cheering news came late on Thursday after the Command swung into action following reports that some sports journalists were abducted by unknown gunmen on Wednesday in Isseke community.
According to the State Police Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the journalists were rescued following a joint security operation after the police had intercepted crucial information on the kidnap incident.
Reports indicated that the media men were on their way to Uyo, the Awka Ibom State capital to cover the Super Eagles of Nigeria versus the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.
The 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) first leg qualifying match is scheduled to take place today, Friday, October 11, 2024 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Available information indicated that the journalists, numbering about 11, were travelling in a bus through Isseke around Ihiala area on Wednesday when they were feared kidnapped.
Police insiders hinted that six of them were rescued, while one was feared killed, adding that four of the victims were still being held in captivity.
However, there has been no official confirmation of the claimed casualty figure even as reports said the abductors attacked and abducted two policemen in the process of escaping from the incident scene
An eyewitness recounted thus; “On Wednesday, some armed hoodlums hijacked a bus going to somewhere. The victims seemed not to know their way around. They started heading to Isseke, and that was where the attack happened. We later heard that they were a press crew.
“The hoodlums also picked up two policemen they met at Isseke, who seemed to be escorting some people to somewhere. They killed one of the policemen in the Nwafor area in Isseke and burnt his corpse in the market square. They took the other one to Awo Idemili, where he was found dead.
“Soldiers have been in the town since the incident took place, shooting endlessly, but haven’t been able to arrest anyone.”
Spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Ikenga, while confirming the incident, said only six sports journalists have so far been rescued but kept mute on reports about two police officers losing their lives during the incident.
He said in a statement that; “We intercepted the information being shared on various social media platforms on Wednesday, and we went to work immediately.
“As I speak to you, a joint operation is ongoing. The joint security forces have successfully rescued six members of the media crew who were abducted while travelling from Lagos to Uyo along Isseke-Orlu Road in Ihiala.
“Meanwhile, operations are still ongoing for the possible rescue of the seventh crew member. Further development shall be communicated, please.”
SWAN Lauds Security Agencies
Reacting to the news, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) commended the nation’s security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police for their prompt action which ensured that six of the held Sports Journalists regained their freedom with more efforts being made to get the remaining persons freed.
In a Statement issued by its Secretary-General, Ikenna Okonkwo, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, the Association assured its teeming members across Nigeria and beyond that all efforts are being made to ensure all the abducted Sports Journalists are freed from captivity.
The statement said SWAN President, Mr Isaiah Benjamin, and the National Secretariat have continued to make necessary contacts towards ensuring the journalists, abducted around Anambra/Imo axis, regain their freedom immediately.
It also noted and appreciated the proactive manner Security Operatives put pressure on the Kidnappers, adding that the rescued Media practitioners, mostly Camera/Photojournalists, are on their way to reuniting with families and handling other official duties.
“We urge our members to remain calm and without fear in the discharge of their professional duties while maintaining regular communication with the various SWAN State Chapters’ Leadership for any formal purposes”, the statement said.
The statement assured that the SWAN National Leadership remains committed to the welfare and overall well-being of members with uttermost regards as always.
