The Anambra State Police Command has successfully rescued six sports journalists who were kidnapped by unidentified assailants in the Isseke community of Ihiala Local Government Area. The rescue operation took place following a coordinated effort by security forces after police received information about the journalists’ abduction.
According to SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesman, the rescue was the result of a swift response to the alarming news circulating on social media about the kidnapping. “We intercepted the information being shared on various social media platforms on Wednesday, and we went to work immediately,” Ikenga stated.
The journalists were reportedly traveling in a bus to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to cover the upcoming African Cup of Nations qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya, scheduled for Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Unfortunately, they were kidnapped on Wednesday while passing through Isseke, a community that has recently experienced a rise in violent attacks attributed to armed groups suspected to be affiliated with a secessionist movement.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that approximately 11 journalists were initially traveling together when they were ambushed. While Ikenga confirmed that six of the journalists were rescued, there are conflicting reports about the fate of the others. A source, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that nine journalists were saved, but one was feared killed, and four remained unaccounted for. This information has not been confirmed by the police.
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Locals at the scene shared disturbing details about the attack, noting that two policemen who were in the area were also targeted. One local recounted, “On Wednesday, some armed hoodlums hijacked a bus going to somewhere. They picked up two policemen they met at Isseke, who seemed to be escorting some people. They killed one of the policemen in the Nwafor area in Isseke and burnt his corpse in the market square. The other policeman was taken to Awo Idemili, where he was found dead.”
In the wake of the abduction, soldiers have been deployed to the area, reportedly firing into the air as they search for the assailants. However, residents expressed frustration over the lack of arrests. “If they mean to arrest anybody, a bounty should be placed on the heads of the perpetrators,” suggested one local. “Within days, they will be apprehended, and that will also serve as a deterrent to others.”
While SP Ikenga confirmed the rescue of the six journalists, he did not provide information regarding the alleged deaths of the police officers involved. “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 traveling from Lagos to Uyo along Isseke-Orlu Road in Ihiala,” he said. He also mentioned that efforts to locate and rescue the seventh crew member were still underway, promising further updates as the situation develops.