The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council has condemned the abduction of Mrs Uduak Okoro, wife of Sun Newspaper Correspondent in the state by gunmen.
Addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Calabar, Mr Victor Udu, chairman of the council called on security agencies to ensure her unconditional release.
The woman was kidnapped by gunmen on Tuesday at about 9 p.m. while returning from Church service in company of her sister.
Udu described the incident as unfortunate and appealed to her abductors to free her unhurt.
“We are deeply touched by the abduction of the wife of our colleague.
“This is very unfortunate, condemnable and disturbing, especially as journalists in the state have continued to sacrifice for the good of the state and society at large.
“I, therefore, appeal to various security agencies in the state to do everything possible to ensure her unconditional and safe release.
“I also call on her kidnappers to immediately release her unconditionally.”
Udu tasked the state government to prioritise security of lives and property of the citizens by working with security agencies to tackle kidnapping and other crimes in the state.
The chairman, however, urged journalists in the state to continue to do their duties, saying “even if nobody protects us, God will protect us’’.
Okoro told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that his wife was with her sister when the kidnappers stopped her car at gunpoint.
“Luckily, the sister escaped with my wife’s cell phone but they took my wife away.
“I was at the press centre when my sister in-law called me to break the story. Honestly, I am traumatised.”
According to him, this is the second time that my wife has been kidnapped.
“I don’t know what the poor woman has done to deserve this. They should please release her,’’ Okoro pleaded.
The police spokesman in the state, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Irene Ugbo who confirmed the incident, said that investigation had begun.
