Kidnapped journalists would soon be released.

The Lagos State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists has said that it was optimistic that the four kidnapped journalists and driver would soon regain their freedom.

council’s vice-chairman, Deji Elumoye spoke in Lagos when receiving delegations on solidarity visits from the state government and the Council of Lagos State Indigenes.

He said the union’s president, Garba Mohammed, had received a call from the kidnappers and was allowed to speak with the Chairman of the State Council, Wahab Oba.

He said at present, the National Secretariat of the NUJ had temporarily relocated to Umuahia to address the problem.

Elumoye thanked the delegations for the solidarity visit, noting that immediately the news of the kidnapping broke on Sunday, the state government showed concern.

The Lagos State delegation was led by the Commissioner for Information, Opeyemi Bamidele.
In his remarks, Bamidele described the kidnapping as one kidnap too many.

He said there is no reason for anyone, either for physical gains or to heighten the tension in the country, to allow himself or herself to be driven into doing the obnoxious crime.

According to him, the state government is working with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to ensure the safe return of the NUJ leaders.

The commissioner, on behalf of Governor Babatunde Fashola, expressed the state government’s solidarity with the NUJ.

The Convener of the Council of Lagos State Indigenes,Sumbo Onitiri, expressed shock at the incident and advised the National Assembly to hasten the passage of the Freedom of Information and anti-terrorism bills.

Onitiri appealed to all security operatives to ensure that the kidnapped journalists are released and urged the Federal Government to ameliorate the sufferings of the masses.

Earlier, the NUJ officials paid solidarity visits to the wives and families of the four journalists and driver.

A former President of the National Association of Women Journalists,Toro Oladapo, who accompanied the NUJ officials, consoled the wives of the kidnapped men.

Oladapo, an Assistant Director, Information, Office of Lagos State Deputy Governor, assured the women that their husbands would soon be released.

Prayers were later offered for the safe release of the kidnapped persons.