LAGOS—Following the recent kidnap of four journalists in the South East, Senator Annie Okonkwo of Anambra Central senatorial district has described the criminal bravado as a grievous slap on the nation’s morale.

Senator Okonkwo said in a statement issued by his Special Assistant, Media, Mr. Collins Ugwu:  “This is one embarrassment too many and our national morale obviously compromised by this barefaced banditry.

“I am very angry with these remorseless bandits as should be by every decent Nigerian, hence this anger must stand our security agencies on their toes not to remain clueless for too long.

“The Presidential directive to apprehend these low caste sub-humans should be given summary effect by the collaborative capacity of our security agencies to rescue these noble men unharmed and return them safely to their traumatized families.

“That way, our collective morale will regain some respite and the inglorious appetite of kidnappers for more exploits curbed at least.

“This is imperative because our nation, still sweating to emerge successfully from a forced negotiated amnesty to armed militancy, cannot afford another helpless surrender to a reckless cartel of kidnappers.

“I am aware that no nation exist without crimes and criminals, but then no nation sleeps while criminals enjoy free reign.”

 …. As colleagues hold prayer rally in Enugu

By  Tony Edike

ENUGU—JOURNALISTS in Enugu State yesterday held solidarity and prayer rally for the four members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, abducted in Abia State last Sunday, with a call on the kidnappers to leave journalists out of their nefarious activities.

The rally was led by the Chairman of Enugu State council of NUJ, Mr. Ossy Ogboso, while the  prayer session was conducted by the General Overseer of the Kingdom Fortress Ministry, Pastor Emeka Onyebuchi.

NUJ boss laments condition of journalits in Nigeria
Addressing the gathering, the NUJ chairman lamented the condition of journalists in Nigeria, describing them as endangered species.

Ogboso said journalists have suffered enough for the country, tracing their travails to the colonial days when the struggle for the independence of Nigeria was spearheaded by them.

He said despite these sacrifices by journalists, they have continued to suffer in the hands of government and alternate governments.  “We are being whipped by everybody. Every segment of the society, government agencies, assassins, armed robbers and now kidnappers, have always found us as their easy preys,” lamented Ogboso.

Appealing to the kidnappers to consider the plight of the families and colleagues of the abducted journalists, Ogboso reminded them that the journalism profession was not a money spinning one, but more of social responsibility and nation building.