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