A Nigerian journalist was reportedly killed and several others kidnapped while traveling to cover the highly anticipated African Cup of Nations qualifying match between Nigeria's Super Eagles and Libya's Mediterranean Knights.
According to respected football journalist and former Super Eagles media officer, Colin Udoh, who broke the news on his Page X, the murdered journalist was a former SuperSport colleague and part of the match production team.
The team was kidnapped on Wednesday while en route to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where the match is scheduled to take place.
Udoh revealed that the team had taken a shortcut through a notorious hotspot to save fuel, but unfortunately fell victim to kidnappers. Some crew members have been freed, but at least two remain missing.
police rescue team
In another report by Punch newspaper, six sports journalists were rescued by the police in Anambra State after being kidnapped by suspected hoodlums.
The journalists, who were traveling from Lagos to Uyo, were kidnapped on Wednesday along the Isseke-Orlu road in Ihiala Local Government Area, according to the Punch report.
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Anambra State Police Command Spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the rescue, stating that the joint security forces released six journalists and that efforts are underway to locate and rescue the seventh crew member. “The joint security forces have rescued six members of the media team who were kidnapped while traveling from Lagos to Uyo,” Ikenga said. “Operations are still continuing to rescue the last journalist and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
The incidents highlight the risks faced by journalists covering sporting events in Nigeria and the need to improve security measures.
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The Nigerian Football Federation and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, are yet to comment on the incidents.
The Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria and Libya is scheduled for Friday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, with the Super Eagles looking to secure a crucial victory.