Eleven journalists were kidnapped by gunmen in Anambra while heading to cover the Super Eagles match in Uyo. Nine have been rescued, one is feared dead, and police efforts to rescue four others are ongoing.
A group of sports journalists traveling to Uyo, Akwa Ibom, for the upcoming Super Eagles vs. Libya African Nations Cup qualifier faced a tragic ordeal when gunmen abducted them in Anambra State. The journalists, numbering 11, were making their way through Ihiala, Anambra, when they were ambushed and kidnapped by armed men.
The incident occurred on Wednesday as the journalists traveled in a bus through Iseke, around the Ihiala area. According to sources, nine of the kidnapped journalists have been rescued, but one of them is feared dead. The situation remains dire, with four still in captivity as police intensify rescue efforts.
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the abduction. SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command’s spokesperson, noted that law enforcement officers are actively working to secure the release of the remaining captives. Ikenga, however, clarified that no official information on the rescue has been released yet, and the joint operation is ongoing.
The abduction has sparked panic, particularly as the journalists were en route to cover an important sporting event. The Super Eagles are set to face Libya on Friday in Uyo, but this incident casts a shadow over the event.