Bus Driver Killed As Gunmen abduct journalist, demand N5m ransom

Kidnappers have abducted the Bayelsa State Correspondent of Guardian Newspaper, Julius Osahon and other passengers who were on transit to Ughelli, Delta State on Sunday morning.

The Bayelsa State based Journalist was attacked along Evwreni Community axis of the East-West Road near Patani, when the gunmen suddenly emerged from the bush, opening fire on the ill-fated bus, killing the driver and abducting passengers including Osahon.

It was also reported that 5 of the victim were released on Monday, March 28, around 8:30am.

A neighbour to the abducted reporter in Yenagoa, stated that a female passenger who was among the passengers released by the abductors on Monday came to the Amarata neighbourhood to inform them about what happened to them and how Osahon and other passengers were held captive by the abductors.

The lady who was reportedly jittery and traumatised of the experience said about five of them, 3 from Delta and 2 from Yenagoa were among the passengers in the bus who were miraculously released by the kidnappers on Monday while the rest of the passengers including Osahon were still held in captivity.

A source close to Osahon’s family also confirmed that the kidnappers have contacted the journalist’s wife and family members and are demanding for ₦5,000,000 for his release.

Some persons within the Amarata neighbourhood have confirmed the incident on discovering the ill-fated bus at Sunny Eru terminal in Yenagoa with bullet holes.

Meanwhile, the leadership and members of the Federated Correspondents’ Chapel (FCC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State council has condemned the abduction of the Journalist and other Nigerians who were going about their legitimate businesses.

The Chairman of the chapel, Chris Eze and the Secretary, Bassey Willie in a statement on Tuesday, appealed to the security agencies in Bayelsa and Delta states to synergise and ensure that Mr Osahon and all other victims of the ill-fated bus are rescued unhurt, enjoining the Federal and State governments to ensure that there is adequate security on highways. CONTINUE READING…

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