The gunmen who kidnapped the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Council, Mr. Wahab Oba, and four others have reduced the ransom from N250million to N150million.

The gunmen, who announced the reduction in a call to The Nation’s office in Abuja, at about 12.30pm yesterday, claimed that their victims were safe and sound. But they entertained no questions.

Restricting the call number, the spokesman of the gunmen called this newspaper’s office line which is in the imprint on the back page.

In a crispy manner, he said: "We are those that kidnapped those journalists. This is to inform you that we have reduced the ransom from N250million to N150million. We are waiting for the money.

"Sebi we spoke with you guys yesterday (Sunday); what are you waiting for?"

He refused further entreaties from our correspondent. It was also difficult to return the call as the line was hidden.

Also being held are the NUJ Zone G Secretary Adolphus Okonkwo, the Council’s Assistant Secretary Sylva Okereke, Shola Oyeyipo and their driver, Azeez Abdulrauf.

They were kidnapped on Sunday in Ukbariki, near Aba in Obingwa Local Government Area, Abia State.

The journalists were on their way from a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

There was outrage yesterday over the kidnapping of the journalists.

The Federal Government condemned the action, even as it expressed confidence in the ability of the Police and other security agencies to secure their release.

The Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, described the development as "sad" and "clearly unacceptable".

In a statement issued in Abuja, the Minister said: "The abduction of these four prominent and innocent journalists while on active duty is a challenge to security agencies to reinforce ongoing security operations in Abia State. Mr. President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, recently directed the police and all security agencies to rid the nation, especially the South Eastern part of the country of kidnapping.

"Government finds this ugly development quite disturbing, sad and clearly unacceptable.

"The Federal Government wishes to reassure all Nigerians of adequate and radical response in the search for sustainable solution to this new wave of crime.

"In this direction, I wish to reaffirm the confidence of the Federal Government on the ability of the police, and security agencies in the country to free the journalists from their captors within the shortest possible time.

"The Police and all security agencies have a responsibility to ensure that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are brought to book.

"I, therefore, call on the governments of Abia, Akwa Ibom and neighbouring states, community leaders and well-meaning Nigerians to work closely and in partnership with the police and security agencies to fish out these gunmen from their hideouts.

"Finally, government also appeals for calm while efforts are being made to free the journalists. Our hearts go to the NUJ and the affected families."

Abia State Governor Theodore Orji condemned the abduction.

The state’s council of the NUJ also denounced the act.

Speaking in Umuahia through his adviser on Electronic Media, Ugochukwu Emezue, Orji wondered why journalists should be the target of kidnappers.

"They do not harm anybody while doing their legitimate duty of informing the public," he said.

He said security agencies were working round the clock to ensure that the journalists are released in good health.

The governor assured residents of adequate security, adding that two more amoured personnel carriers (APCs) had been procured by his administration to help fight crimes.


Orji praised the military, the police and other security agencies deployed in the state by the Federal Government, stressing that their efforts have helped to reduce kidnapping.

The state’s chapter of the NUJ issued a statement signed by its Chairman, Hyacinth Okoli, and Secretary, Sam Oditah, urging security agencies to spread their dragnets to all parts of the state to ensure that the victims are rescued from the hoodlums.

The Abia NUJ also challenged the Federal Government to show greater commitment towards fighting crimes by providing modern equipment to the police.

The release also enjoined traditional rulers as well as community leaders and town unions in Aba zone to rise up to expose criminals, who live in their communities or use their areas as hideouts.

Senate President David Mark yesterday condemned the rising incidence of kidnapping of Nigerians.

Mark, in a statement by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, in Abuja urged security agencies to rise up to the challenge by saving Nigerians avoidable hostilities in the hands of criminals.

The Senate President urged security agencies to fish out the kidnappers to face the law.

Mark expressed anger at the kidnap of the journalists, saying: "No responsible government would allow this to continue. We must all rise to the occasion and curb the menace. Our security operatives must stand up and be counted as responsible and responsive agencies of government."

While urging the kidnappers to immediately and unconditionally release the journalists, he said: "Enough of this embarrassment. We cannot continue to allow this to happen. Criminality of any form is condemnable. It cannot be our way of life."

He enjoined communities, especially traditional rulers to join in the fight against kidnapping because "these people live in our midst".

"They live in our communities and all of us cannot continue to feign ignorance about the activities of criminals in our midst. Community leaders must take responsibility for this abnormality.

"As it is now, everybody is a potential victim. The earlier we tackle the matter headlong and put it to an end, the better for all of us," Mark said.

Mark sympathised with the families of the victims and the NUJ over these "trying moments" and called for calm, hoping that the journalists would regain their freedom unconditionally very soon.