The Anambra State Police Command announced that six of the seven sports journalists abducted in Ihiala, Anambra, have been safely rescued, with efforts ongoing to locate and rescue the seventh, News About Nigeria reports.
The group of journalists was reportedly en route to Uyo, Akwa Ibom, to cover the Super Eagles match against Libya when they were kidnapped along the Isseke-Orlu Road.
According to Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Tochukwu Ikenga, a joint security operation led to the safe recovery of six members of the media crew.
Ikenga stated, “Operations are still ongoing for the possible rescue of the seventh crew member.”
Following the incident, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) National Secretariat released a statement expressing concern over the kidnapping and urging state chapters to provide a list of members travelling to cover the match.
SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin stressed the need for journalists to communicate their travel plans to ensure member safety amid rising insecurity.
The exact number of journalists involved remains unclear, with SWAN calling for further investigation into the incident and for associations to improve safety protocols.
“Following the rumoured kidnap of some sports writers said to be on their way to Uyo to cover the Super Eagles match against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya, we urge the State Chapter Leadership to immediately furnish the National Secretariat with any necessary information regarding any SWAN member who might be involved.
“At the moment, the SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and indeed the National Executive Committee committed to the welfare and well-being of members, have been inundated with calls on the situation, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
“Consequently, it’s imperative for the various chapters’ leadership to enlighten members on the need to always pass information concerning their official movements at the State SWAN Secretariats, especially in times like this in Nigeria.”
