Journalist kidnapped in Imo, as abducted doctor regains freedom

OWERRI—Fear has gripped journalists in Imo State following the kidnap of one of the editors of Imo Broadcasting Corporation, IBC, Chief Ndubuizu Ugorji, yesterday.

Although circumstances leading to the kidnap were sketchy at press time, Vanguard, however, gathered that Ndubuizu left his house in IBC Quarters, Orji, with his son but was abducted at the gate.

A staff of IBC, who confirmed the incident on grounds of anonymity, said the kidnappers
did not tamper with Ndubuizu’s private car. “The gangsters forced Ndubuizu to stop, dragged him out of his car and later forced him into their waiting vehicle”, the IBC staff recounted with grief.

Continuing, the man said Ndubuizu’s son eventually drove his kidnapped father’s car back to the house and broke the news to the family.

Journalists, who spoke to Vanguard, condemned the act and appealed to the security agencies to increase security around media houses. They equally urged Governor Rochas Okorocha to work out new operational methods for tackling crimes in the state.

Meantime, Dr Adebowale Saddiq, the Medical Director of Mount Arafat Hospital, Nsukka in Enugu State, who was kidnapped by unknown gunmen on Saturday, has been released.

A family source who pleaded anonymity told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Nsukka yesterdayday that his abductors dropped him on Orba Road, Nsukka, around 9.30 p.m. on Monday.

“From there he found his away to his residence in Fulton Avenue in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He came into the house to the surprise of everybody around 10.20 p.m. His abductors collected his five phones but gave him the SIM cards.

We thank God that he came home without any harm. I do not know whether any ransom was paid. All I know is that his abductors have been communicating with his wife and other members of the family,” he said.

When contacted, the Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association, Enugu State branch, Dr Kelechukwu Madu, confirmed the release of Saddiq.

“I have been told that one of our members who was abducted on Saturday had been freed. We thank God for his release by his abductors without any harm,” he said.

Also reacting, Mr Ebere Amaraizu, the Enugu State police spokesman, confirmed the release of the medical doctor. “The doctor kidnapped on Saturday night in his hospital in Nsukka has been released. The police will continue to protect lives and property in the state,” Amaraizu said.

News credit: Vanguard