The Federated Correspondents’ Chapel (FCC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State council has called on all the security agencies both in Bayelsa and Delta states to collaborate and ensure that Julius Osahon of Guardian Newspaper who was kidnapped by gunmen is released unhurt.
Julius Osahon the Bayelsa State correspondent of Guardian Newspaper was reportedly kidnapped on Sunday along Ughelli in Delta State.
A press statement signed by the Chairman and secretary of the chapel ,Chris Eze and Bassey Willie respectively reads
“The chapel has received with shock the abduction of Julius Osahon, Bayelsa state Correspondent of the Guardian newspaper by unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers along Evwreni Community near Ugheli axis of Delta State while on transit to Warri.
“The chapel wondered why gunmen would attack one who is only discharging his responsibility as a journalist.
“The chapel urges the security agents both in Bayelsa and Delta states to collaborate and ensure that Osahon and all those abducted in the ill-fated bus are rescued unhurt ehule calling and the Federal and State governments to ensure that there is adequate security on our highways especially the Bayelsa and Delta axis of the East-West road.
“Security situation in our nation is becoming worrisome on daily basis, innocent citizens are being killed, kidnapped and their valuables carted away by criminals, that is why we call on government to discharge its responsibility of protecting citizens’ lives and property optimally.
“Journalists are not wealthy men in the society but just doing their duties to contribute to the growth and development of the nation. That is why we wonder where Osahon will get N5 million demanded by the kidnappers to regain his freedom.
“We pray the Almighty God to protect his young family and give them courage to manage the trauma and free him unhurt to reunite with his family”.