The Nigeria Soccer Federation has expressed deep sorrow and prolonged condolences to the households of three people who had been killed by kidnappers in a tragic ambush alongside the Ihiala-Orlu Street, Anambra State, on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
In an announcement titled “NFF Sympathizes with Households of Slain Individuals in SuperSport Unlucky Kidnap Scenario”, the federation, on Saturday, confirmed the deaths of a cameraman, a police officer, and the bus driver.
The victims had been touring in a SuperSport crew automobile when bandits opened hearth, leading to quick fatalities.
The SuperSport group, en path to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to cowl the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya, confronted the lethal assault.
In keeping with the discharge on the NFF web site, whereas eight passengers had been rescued, two managed to flee, and one stays lacking.
In keeping with earlier experiences by PUNCH On-line, on by Thursday the Anambra State Police Command stated it had efficiently rescued six of the kidnapped journalists. The group had been kidnapped on Wednesday whereas touring by way of the Isseke-Orlu Street.
Confirming the rescue, the state police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated joint safety forces had been persevering with efforts to find and rescue the final lacking crew member.
Nonetheless, the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, mirrored on the somber temper throughout the organisation stated, “Sure, we gained the match towards Libya and took three factors, however the truth that three lives had been misplaced created a scenario during which we had been unable to have a good time correctly, and it hurts severely to even suppose again on the unlucky incident.”
He emphasised the long-standing collaboration between the NFF and SuperSport, acknowledging the broadcaster’s contributions to Nigerian soccer.
“SuperSport has been a powerful ally in serving to to satisfy the target of the NFF in spreading pleasure to Nigerians by way of soccer. We share of their ache and sorrow at this era.
“Our prayer is that the Almighty will consolation the SuperSport household and the households of the deceased and grant the deceased everlasting relaxation,” he acknowledged.
Gusau additionally expressed hope for the protected return of the one individual nonetheless unaccounted for, praising the safety forces for his or her ongoing rescue efforts.
It was discovered on Saturday that 14 individuals had been on the bus on the time of the ambush, with eight rescued, two escaping, three killed, and one nonetheless lacking.
In the meantime, PUNCH On-line experiences on Saturday night time that SuperSport has but to make any formal announcement on this occasion.
