From Steph Clem, Umuahia
Kidnappers on Sunday evening abducted a journalist, Mr. Ugochukwu Ugoji Eke of The Nation Newspapers in front of his residence in Ogbor Hill Aba.
Mr. Eke is the state correspondent of The Nation Newspapers detailed to cover Umuahia and environs.
He was said to have been kidnapped at 7.30pm on Sunday while returning from his hometown Item in Bende Local Government Area of the state, when the unidentified men dragged him out of his vehicle right in front of his gate and shoved him into their own car and drove off.
Meanwhile, his abductors have contacted the family demanding for a ransom of N20m.
Alternate commissioner for Information in the state, Chief Don Ubani told journalists that the government was working hand in hand with the security outfits to see to the safe release of Mr. Ekeh.
Chief Ubani who frowned at the development, wondered why someone would want to hurt a reporter and appealed to his abductors to free him.
Similarly, the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr. John Emejor has called on the state government to ensure it does everything possible for the safe release of Mr. Eke.
Also the chairman of the correspondent chapel in the state, Mr. Emmanuel Ugwu has said that the recent development is not a good one for the journalists especially at this point in time, saying the press cannot afford to work with fear.
Attempts to reach the state PPRO, Mr. Geoffery Ogbonna failed.
