Kidnapping: Edo SWAN sympathizes with DSTV Sports Journalists over attack

From our Sports desk, Benin 

The new Exco of SWAN, Edo State Chapter during swearing in recently 

The Executive and members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Edo State chapter have expressed sympathy with the management and staff of DSTV over the unfortunate incident of armed robbery and kidnapping suffered by its crew, on their way to Uyo for the Super Eagles, Libya Afcon engagement holding on Friday.

The sympathy message was conveyed in a statement signed by the Chairman, SWAN, Edo State Chapter, Khinde Osagiede and the Secretary, Moses Idahosa and made available to journalists on Friday, 11 October, 2024 in Benin.

The statement noted; that according to media reports the DSTV crew heading to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Thursday, October 10, 2024 for the AFCON match coverage, were attacked and kidnapped within Imo state and that in the process one of the crew members was shot dead, while the remaining seven persons have been rescued by the Army.

"We in Edo have been very disturbed and downcast by the terrible experience our colleagues have been subjected to in the course of carrying out their professional duties.

"We share in your pains and remain with you throughout this moment of grief and pray for your quick recovery; and healing of those rescued.

"As for the lost life, we commiserate with you, his immediate family and loved ones, and pray God will accept his soul to paradise.

"It is so disheartening to hear that professionals, particularly Sports Journalists who leave their families and are always on the road to perform their duties with passion to serve the general public including the criminals, with little remuneration are sometimes reported either dead, kidnapped or involved in auto crashes. 

"These should not be part of the hazard we have to endure in our country.

"While we appreciate the efforts of the Nigerian Army in the rescue mission, we however call on the Federal and State Governments to collaborate in the tackling of banditry and general insecurity in the country.

"As well; come up with innovative security architecture to make our roads and country safe for all!"