Hoodlums kidnap sports journalists in Anambra

A group of sports journalists was kidnapped in the Isseke community of Ihiala Local Government Area in Anambra State.

They were said to be travelling to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to cover Nigeria vs Libya African Cup of Nations qualifying match, which is scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

A source stated that the journalists, numbering about 11, were travelling in a bus through Isseke around the Ihiala area on Wednesday when they were feared kidnapped.

Another source reported on Thursday morning that nine of the journalists had been rescued, while one, identified as Kola, was dead. The source stated that four of the victims are still being held in captivity.

Meanwhile, police authorities in Anambra have confirmed the incident.

The spokesperson for the state police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, spoke to our correspondent when contacted on Thursday, confirming that six members of the crew had been rescued.

Ikenga said, “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.

“Meanwhile, operations are still ongoing for the possible rescue of the seventh crew member.

“Further developments shall be communicated.”