The International
Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the kidnapping of four officials of
the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), following an armed attack on two NUJ vehicles yesterday.
Wahaab Oba, Chariman of NUJ Lagos State council, Adolphus Oknokwo, NUJ Secretary Zone G, Sylvester Okereke, NUJ Assistant Secretary Lagos State, Shola Oyeyipo
of NUJ Lagos State Council and their
driver Azeez Yekini were abducted by gunmen who ambushed the two vehicles
outside the Eastern city of Aba. Seven union members occupying the other car
escaped unharmed.
"We are shocked by this
brutal attack against our Nigerian
colleagues and deeply worried for their immediate safety," said Gabriel Baglo, Director of the IFJ Africa. "We
demand the authorities do everything they can to ensure they are released
quickly and unharmed."
The NUJ
members were returning from a meeting of the national executive in the Southern
city of Uyo
when they were caught in the ambush. Initial reports suggest the victims remain
unharmed while the kidnappers have issued their ransom demands.
For more information contact the IFJ at +221 33 867 95 87
The IFJ represents over 600,000
journalists in 125 countries worldwide