Police Rescue Kidnapped Journalists in Anambra, One Confirmed Dead

The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the successful rescue of six sports journalists who were kidnapped by suspected hoodlums in the Isseke community, located in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. The journalists were on their way to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to cover the African Cup of Nations qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya when they were abducted on Wednesday, according to an official statement released by the police.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, announced on Thursday that joint security forces had managed to free six members of the detained media crew. However, efforts remain ongoing to locate and rescue the seventh crew member. “Joint security forces have rescued six members of the media crew who were abducted while travelling from Lagos to Uyo,” Ikenga stated in a conversation with The PUNCH.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga further assured that operations are continuing to rescue the last journalist and that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. “Operations are still ongoing for the possible rescue of the seventh crew member. Further development shall be communicated,” he added.

According to investigative reporting by SaharaReporters, the remaining member of the crew has been confirmed dead. A source disclosed, “The DStv crew heading to Uyo for AFCON match coverage was attacked and kidnapped. A victim was shot dead as the army rescued seven persons. One of them is Kay, a technical crew member, and he is now confirmed dead.”

The journalists were traveling to Uyo to cover a qualifier match of the Super Eagles for the ongoing African Cup of Nations. The disturbing incident highlights the risks faced by journalists traveling through certain parts of Nigeria, particularly those on assignments in volatile regions.