The Lagos Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) regrets to announce the passing of one of its members and a member of the joint security forces who lost their lives on duty to cover the match betweeen the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Mediterranean of Libya in the ongoing Afcon 2025 qualifiers in Uyo this weekend.
The Joint Security Forces (JSF) has rescued six of the eleven sports reporters who were kidnapped by gunmen in Anambra state in the early hours of 10th October 2024.
The media crew was enroute from Lagos to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to cover the Super Eagles match scheduled for Friday when the abduction occurred in Iseke, Ihiala Local Government Area, a region that has been under the control of secessionist groups IPOB for some time.
Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the rescue on Thursday and stated that efforts to locate the remaining journalists are still ongoing.
We are, however, relieved to inform our members and the general public that some of the kidnapped journalists have been released.
Lagos SWAN Chairman Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni, has been in constant communication with the relevant authorities since the abduction and has confirmed the release of the journalists.
We are grateful for the swift action taken by the joint Security Forces (JSF), which led to their release.
Our Chairman also extends her condolences to the family of the late journalist who lost his life during this ordeal. We pray that God grants them the strength to bear this loss.
Additionally, we commiserate with the Nigerian Police Force on the loss of their officer who also died in the line of duty.
We appreciate the efforts of the Joint security Forces(JSF) and will continue to work together to ensure the safety of our members.
Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Bello Omotunde
Secretary
SWAN Lagos Chapter.
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