UPDATED: At Last, Kidnapped Journalists Regain Freedom

PHOTO: A FILE PHOTO OF MR WAHAB OBA.

LAGOS, July 18, (THEWILL) - One week after their captors abducted them in Abia State, four journalists and their driver finally regained their freedom after intense search by security agencies and prayers of concerned citizens.

THWILL learnt that Chairman of the Lagos Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Wahab Oba, the council’s Secretary, Mr. Sylvester Okereke, Zonal Secretary, Mr. Adolphus Okonkwo, Mr. Sola Oyeyipo and their driver, Azeez were let go at about 2am this morning.

While it was not clear whether ransom was paid, THEWILL gathered that both Oba and Okonkwo called their wives on phone to break the news of their freedom at about 6am.

Vice Chairman of Lagos NUJ Council, Mr. Deji Elumoye confirmed the news of their release and reliably informed their wives that the journalists were stranded in a forest around a village named Umuafor Ukwu in Obingwa Local Government Area, Abia State.

The Abia State Police Spokesman, Ali Okechukwu has however confirmed that the journalists have been found and have been taken to the Police Command headquarters in Umuahia, the state capital. He said no ransom was paid.

National President, Mr. Mohammed Garba along with other national executives will hold a stakeholder’s meeting Lagos State NUJ Secretariat (Ladi Lawal Press Centre). The journalists, who just regained freedom, are expected at the forum to share their nightmarish experience with their colleagues who are currently waiting to receive them in the council.