A delegation of journalists in Abia State, led by the Chairman of a
Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. John Emejor and Correspondents
Chapel Chairman Emma Ugwu have visited the family of their kidnapped
colleague, Mr. Ugochukwu Ugorji-Eke of The Nation
.
Mr. Eke, the Umuahia Correspondent of The Nation, was
kidnapped in front of his house last weekend by gunmen who took him away
to an unknown destination. His kidnappers have demanded N20million
ransom from the family.
Speaking at the residence of their kidnapped colleague, the Abia NUJ
chairman described the kidnap of the veteran journalist as unfortunate,
assuring the family that the union is strongly with them spiritually and
physically.
Emejor, quoting Exodus 14:14-15, said: “It is a temporary challenge.
The battle is of the Lord and we shall hold our peace. Ugochukwu is a
distinguished professional. He is not the troublesome type. We don’t
know why they should kidnap a journalist that is just doing his
professional work. They (abductors) should know that they are playing
with the handiwork of God. You (immediate family) should have patient.
It is a challenge and indeed a temporary one that you are going to
overcome.”
Thanking the Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji administration for its
concern over the development, Emejor urged heads of security agencies
to intensify their efforts at ensuring Eke’s unconditional release.
NUJ Correspondent Chapel chairman Emma Ugwu described Eke’s abduction
as shocking, stressing that the incident was coming at a time when it
was felt that the government had invested much in curtailing kidnapping.
A member of the victim’s family thanked the delegation for coming to show their support.
He enjoined Nigerians to join the family in praying for Eke’s safety and early return.
Abia State Commissioner of Police Adamu Ibrahim said efforts were ongoing to find Eke.
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