The Bayelsa Independent Publishers Association (BIPA) has condemned in strong terms the abduction of Mr. Julius Osahon, the Bayelsa State correspondent with the Guardian Newspaper who was on his way to Delta State from Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital.
It was gathered that armed men suspected to be Kidnappers attacked a Sunny Eru bus that left Yenagoa for Warri and the bus was intercepted along the Patani axis of the East- West Road by the suspected kidnappers, abducting the Guardian reporter along side others onboard the vehicle.
A statement by the Chairman of BIPA, Mr. Francis Dufugha called for the immediate and unconditional release of the Yenagoa based Guardian reporter who is only discharging his responsibility as well as other victims in the vehicle.
The BIPA boss, who doubles as Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of the Niger Delta Herald Newspaper called on security agencies in Delta and Bayelsa States as well as the Inspector General of Police to ensure the quick and safe release of the journalist.
The statement further advised the suspected kidnappers to understand that journalists are not money spinners who would dole out millions of naira for ransom, enjoining Osahon’s abductors to therefore release him accordingly.
Dufugha used the medium to charge politicians on delivering on their campaign promises so that jobs would be created for the teaming jobless youths most of whom have resorted to carrying of arms and other antisocial vices as a way of survival.
Meanwhile, there are indications that hoodlums are demanding a ransom of N5 million for the release of the journalist who had already spent two nights in the hands of his abductors.
About Author
