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October 12, 2024 – Nigeria –
A team of Nigerian sports journalists traveling to cover an international football match was ambushed by gunmen in Anambra State, resulting in a deadly attack that left three people dead and one journalist still missing. The victims were part of a 14-member SuperSport broadcast crew en route to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to cover Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya. The attack took place on the Ihiala-Orlu Road, a region plagued by insecurity and frequent abductions.
The assailants opened fire on the vehicle, killing a cameraman, a police escort, and the team’s driver on the spot. Eight individuals were later rescued by security forces, while two managed to escape. However, one journalist remains unaccounted for as of the latest reports, prompting continued search operations. Authorities have not released the name of the missing journalist, but local unions and press advocates have urged immediate and transparent action to locate the victim.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) condemned the attack. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau expressed sorrow, stating that the tragedy cast a dark shadow over Nigeria’s sporting victory that same day. “This is a national loss, not just for sports or journalism, but for Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
The incident underscores the increasing dangers journalists face in southeastern Nigeria, where armed gangs and separatist militias operate frequently. While such threats are often associated with political reporting, this attack highlights that even sports journalists are not immune. Media organizations and journalist unions have renewed calls for heightened security, especially for reporters traveling by road through high-risk regions.
This ambush serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities facing the press in conflict-prone areas. As the search continues for the missing journalist, the need for robust safety protocols and protective measures has never been more urgent. Without serious reform and accountability, journalists covering even the most apolitical beats remain at grave risk in Nigeria’s increasingly volatile environment.
Reference –
https://guardian.ng/news/journalists-ambushed-cameraman-policeman-driver-killed-one-still-missing/
https://punchng.com/three-killed-one-missing-in-anambra-journalists-kidnap/
