Hours after the unfortunate kidnapping of members of the Television production team, AfroSports in Orlu of Imo State, the Executive and members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Edo State chapter have registered their sympathy with management and staff of DSTV over the unfortunate incident which saw one recorded casualty of the crew on their way to Uyo for the Super Eagles, Libya Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Reports have it that 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.
The sympathy message, signed by state chairman Kehinde Osagede and secretary, Moses Idahosa, the state registered the sad mood of the members over the unfortunate incident. “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. As for the lost life, we commiserate with you and his immediate family and loved ones, and pray God will accept his soul to paradise.”
“It is so disheartening to hear that some professionals, particularly Sports Journalists, who leave their families and are always on the road to perform their duties with a passion for serving 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 tackling banditry and general insecurity in the country and as well come up with innovative security architecture to make our roads and country safe for all”, the release added.