3 die, 1 journalist missing in Anambra ambush
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed its heartfelt condolences to the families of three individuals tragically killed in an ambush by kidnappers along the Ihiala-Orlu Road in Anambra State on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
In a statement titled “NFF Sympathises with Families of Slain Persons in SuperSport Unfortunate Kidnap Situation,” the federation confirmed the loss of a cameraman, a police officer, and a bus driver on Saturday.
These victims were part of a SuperSport crew traveling in their vehicle when armed bandits opened fire, resulting in their immediate deaths.
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The team was on its way to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to cover the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya when the attack occurred.
According to the NFF’s official release, while eight passengers were rescued and two managed to escape, one crew member remains unaccounted for.
Earlier reports from PUNCH Online indicated that the Anambra State Police Command had rescued six kidnapped journalists by Thursday, following their abduction while traveling through the Isseke-Orlu Road.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the state police, confirmed the rescues and assured that joint security forces are actively working to locate the final missing team member.
However, the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, reflected on the somber mood within the organisation said, “Yes, we won the match against Libya and took three points, but the fact that three lives were lost created a situation in which we were unable to celebrate properly, and it hurts seriously to even think back at the unfortunate incident.”
He emphasised the long-standing collaboration between the NFF and SuperSport, acknowledging the broadcaster’s contributions to Nigerian football.
“SuperSport has been a strong ally in helping to fulfill the objective of the NFF in spreading joy to Nigerians through football. We share in their pain and sorrow at this period.
“Our prayer is that the Almighty will comfort the SuperSport family and the families of the deceased and grant the deceased eternal rest,” he stated.
Gusau also expressed hope for the safe return of the one person still unaccounted for, praising the security forces for their ongoing rescue efforts.
It was learned on Saturday that 14 people were on the bus at the time of the ambush, with eight rescued, two escaping, three killed, and one still missing.
Meanwhile, PUNCH Online reports on Saturday night that SuperSport has yet to make any formal announcement on this event.
Proofreading by Fa’izatu Aliyu Doma, Journalist at Neptune Prime.
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