By Towncriernews
The Executive and members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN),Edo State chapter sympathize with management and staff of DSTV over the unfortunate incident of armed robbery and kidnapping their crew suffered on their way to Uyo for the Super Eagles, Libya Afcon engagement.
It was reported that the DSTV crew heading to Uyo,Akwa Ibom State on Thursday, October 10, 2024 for the AFCON match coverage were attacked and kidnapped within Imo state and that in the process one of the crew members was shot dead while the remaining seven persons have been rescued by the Army.
In a statement by the Edo State Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigerian (SWAN), Kehinde Osagiede; and Secretary, Moses Idahosa said, We in Edo are disturbed and downcast by the terrible experience our colleagues have been subjected to in the course carrying out their professional duties.
“We share in your pains and remain with you throughout this moment of grief and pray for your quick recovery and healing. As for the lost life, we commiserate with you, his immediate family and loved ones, and pray God will accept his soul in paradise.
“It is so disheartening to hear that some professionals, particularly sports journalists who leave their families and are always on the road to perform their duties with passion to serve the general public including the criminals, with little remuneration are sometimes reported either dead, kidnapped or involved in auto crashes. These should not be part of the hazard we have to endure in our country.
While we appreciate the efforts of the Nigerian Army in the rescue mission, we however call on the federal and state governments for collaboration in tackling banditry and general insecurity in the country and as well as come up with innovative security architecture to make our roads and country safe for all.
“Please, accept our condolences. Yours in the struggle.”