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Gunmen Kidnap Sports Journalists Travelling To Uyo For AFCON Qualifier, One Dead, Four Missing
Nine of the abducted journalists have since been rescued, but the incident took a tragic turn when one of the victims, identified as Kola, was found dead.
Akwa, Anambra State- Gunmen abducted a group of sports journalists travelling from Anambra State to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for the Nigeria-Libya African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match.
It was gathered that the kidnapping occurred on Wednesday, in the Isseke community, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The journalists, numbering 11, were en route to cover the highly anticipated match, scheduled for Friday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
While travelling in a bus through the Isseke area, the group was ambushed and kidnapped by unknown assailants.
It was learnt that nine of the abducted journalists have since been rescued, but the incident took a tragic turn when one of the victims, identified as Kola, was found dead.
Four others remain in captivity as security forces intensify efforts to secure their release.
The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident on Thursday, stating that six members of the media crew had been rescued.
“Joint security forces successfully rescued six members of a media crew who were abducted while traveling from Lagos to Uyo along the Isseke-Orlu Road in Ihiala,” Ikenga said.
“Efforts are still ongoing to rescue the seventh crew member. Updates will be provided as the situation develops,” he added.