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The Asagba of Asaba kingdom, Obi Professor Chike Edozien, has described as despicable and objectionable the abduction of 14 journalists by Ijaw youths in Oporoza, Warri South West local government area of Delta State.
A statement issued by Chief Dan Okenyi on behalf of the Asabga said “ the kidnap of the 14 newsmen, including the Vanguard regional editor, South-south, Mr .Emma Amaize was a bizarre act of impunity and lawlessness” by the Ijaw youths. The Asagba who is also the grand patron of Anioma Media Professionals (AMP) commended the governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, for the maturity he displayed in handling the matter.
Another statement issued by the Director of Publicity of Anioma Media Professionals, Ken Ugbechie, said the abduction of the journalists was an unprovoked attack as they were returning from their lawful duty of covering a protest by the people of Itsekiri in Ogidigben, Warri-South Local Government Area. .
Ugbechie said “every group that has legitimate grievances on any national issue can pursue their cause without endangering the lives of others, especially the lives of journalists whose constitutional responsibility is to bring such discontents to the knowledge of those who have the responsibility to act appropriately.”
The Chairman of Delta State NUJ chapel, Mr Norbert Chiazor, expressed displeasure at the reported torture, humiliation, intimidation of the fourteen journalists who were moved to a camp in Oporoza.
He said the seizure of their cameras, cell phones, wrist watches and other valuables was a “criminal act by the Ijaw youths which Ijaw national leaders must fish out the criminals and punish them accordingly if they are to continue to enjoy the cooperation of journalists in the area”.
