NAN Editor Kidnapped In Owerri

An editor with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Gregory Maduakolam, was kidnapped in Owerri on Thursday night, according to a statement by the management of the agency in Abuja yeserday.
NAN reports that the specific location of the incident in the Imo capital, however, could not be ascertained.

The full statement of the agency on the incident reads: “The unfortunate kidnap of one of our Editors, Gregory Maduakolam, has been brought to the attention of the Management of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Maduakolam reported his kidnap himself in a telephone call with his line to a staff of the agency at about 7.33 pm on Thursday. He said he was taken away by his assailants around 9.am on Thursday.

“Maduakolam could, however, not disclose the place the incident happened as his cellphone was immediately snatched from him during the conversation by his assailants who demanded payment of ransom. We are deeply concerned and saddened by the kidnap of our staff.”

Our thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time while we are working closely with the authorities and taking all necessary steps to ensure his safe release. We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation. The safety and well-being of our staff remain our top priority, and we will do everything possible to ensure his safe release.” (NAN)