Date Published: 07/12/10

Kidnap of Officials of the NUJ in Abia State

1.   The Federal Government has received with sadness the unfortunate news of the kidnap of four Lagos based journalists by unknown gun men.

2.   Information available to government reveals that the four journalists and their driver were abducted at Umuafouka junction in Obingwa local government Area of Abia State while on their way from the National Executive Committee Meeting of the NUJ held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

3.   The four Journalists who were kidnapped include Chairman, Lagos State Council of the NUJ Mr Wahab Obba, Mr Adolphus Okonkwo, Zonal Secretary of the NUJ for Zone G. Others were Sylvester Okere, Secretary of the Lagos state Council of the Union, Mr Sola Oyeyipo, a Lagos based Journalist and the driver of the bus conveying the team.

4.   The abduction of these four prominent and innocent journalists while on active duty is a challenge to security agencies to reinforce ongoing security operations in Abia State.  Mr. President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan recently directed the police and all security agencies to rid the nation especially the South Eastern part of the Country of Kidnapping.

5.    Government finds this ugly development quite disturbing, sad and clearly unacceptable.

6.   The Federal Government wishes to reassure all Nigerians of adequate and radical response in the search for sustainable solution this new wave of crime.

7.   In this direction, I wish to reaffirm the confidence of the Federal Government on the ability of Nigeria police, and Security Agencies in the Country to free the Journalists from their captives within the shortest possible time.

8.    The Police and all Security Agencies have a responsibility to ensure that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are brought to book.

9.    I therefore call on the Governments of Abia, Akwa Ibom and neighbouring states, community leaders and well meaning Nigerians to work closely and in partnership with the police and security agencies to fish out these gun men from their hideouts.

10.     Finally, government also appeals for calm while efforts are being made to free the journalists, our hearts go to the NUJ and the affected families.

11.    Thank you.

PROF. DORA AKUNYILI

Hon. Minister of Information and Communications