From Emmanuel Uzor, Awka
48 hours after the news of the kidnapping of some sports journalists filtered into the air, Anambra State Police Command said its operatives have rescued six out of the seven journalists kidnapped.
Daily Sun reports that a group of journalists who were travelling to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to cover a Super Eagles match were kidnapped in Anambra on Wednesday.
Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the operatives of the command were still working to rescue the seventh victim.
“Joint security forces have successfully rescued six members of the media crew who were abducted while travelling from Lagos to Uyo along Isseke-Orlu Road in the Ihiala local government area of Anambra State.
“Meanwhile, operations are still ongoing for the possible rescue of the seventh crew member.”
It is however, not clear if the journalists were only seven in number, even as the National Secretariat of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has called for a proper investigation into the incident.
In a statement by the SWAN national secretariat signed by Ikenna Okonkwo, they called on state chapters of the association to furnish them with the full list and identities of their members participating in the qualifying match of the Super Eagles.
“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.”