FCC Condemns kidnap of Bayelsa Guardian Correspondent
By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa, Trek Africa Newspaper
Mr. Julius Osahon
The leadership and members of the Federated Correspondents’ Chapel (FCC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State council has received with shock the abduction of Mr 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.
A statement by the Chapel chairman and Secretary, Christian Eze and Secretary
Bassey Willie respectively, condemned the act and urged the kidnappers to release Julius Osahon and others immediately.
The chapel urges the security agents both in Bayelsa and Delta states to collaborate and ensure that Mr Osahon and all those abducted in the ill-fated bus are rescued unhurt, 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.
The chapel wondered why gunmen would attack one who is only discharging his responsibility as a journalist.
“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 Mr 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,” the chapel said.
