By Anayo OKOLI, Umuahia
SIX days after their abduction, the four journalists kidnapped by hoodlums in Obingwa council area of Abia state are yet to regain their freedom.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has summoned the governors of the South East  states ostensibly to ask them what they are doing to curtail the rising wave of crime in the zone, especially kidnapping.

The meeting will take place today in Abuja. The presidency is said to be highly embarrassed by the activities of kidnappers in the zone, especially the current case of four journalists which has attracted international attention.

The Inspector-general of Police, Mr. Ogbonna Onovo may also be at the meeting.

Though the abductors have reduced their ransom to N30 million, information pieced together said that they are still talking tough, saying that ransom must be paid before they release their victims.

Sources said that a reinforcement of police officers were dispatched to the area yesterday as the police said that they were closing in on the hoodlums. It was  not clear as at press time whether they would invade the hide out or not. Police and other security operatives are said to be very cautious so as not to hurt the victims.

Communication has been going between the kidnappers and the leadership of  the NUJ. An official of the union told Saturday Vanguard that he spoke with one of  the kidnappers yesterday and he insisted that the money must be paid before they release the journalists.

According to him, they told the President of the NUJ where to bring the money and how to package it.

There is however strong indications  here that the journalists will be released today or the place will be invaded by security operatives.