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The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the families of three individuals who were killed by kidnappers in a tragic ambush along the Ihiala-Orlu Road, Anambra State, on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
In a statement titled “NFF Sympathizes with Families of Slain Persons in SuperSport Unfortunate Kidnap Situation”, the federation, on Saturday, confirmed the deaths of a cameraman, a police officer, and the bus driver.
The victims were traveling in a SuperSport crew vehicle when bandits opened fire, resulting in immediate fatalities.
The SuperSport team, en route to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to cover the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya, faced the deadly attack.
According to the release on the NFF website, while eight passengers were rescued, two managed to escape, and one remains missing.
According to earlier reports by PUNCH Online, on by Thursday the Anambra State Police Command said it had successfully rescued six of the kidnapped journalists. The group had been abducted on Wednesday while traveling through the Isseke-Orlu Road.
Confirming the rescue, the state police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said joint security forces were continuing efforts to locate and rescue the last missing crew member.
However, the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, reflected on the somber mood within the organisation said, “Yes, we won the match against Libya and took three points, but the fact that three lives were lost created a situation in which we were unable to celebrate properly, and it hurts seriously to even think back at the unfortunate incident.”
He emphasised the long-standing collaboration between the NFF and SuperSport, acknowledging the broadcaster’s contributions to Nigerian football.
“SuperSport has been a strong ally in helping to fulfill the objective of the NFF in spreading joy to Nigerians through football. We share in their pain and sorrow at this period.
“Our prayer is that the Almighty will comfort the SuperSport family and the families of the deceased and grant the deceased eternal rest,” he stated.
Gusau also expressed hope for the safe return of the one person still unaccounted for, praising the security forces for their ongoing rescue efforts.
It was learned on Saturday that 14 people were on the bus at the time of the ambush, with eight rescued, two escaping, three killed, and one still missing.
Meanwhile, PUNCH Online reports on Saturday night that SuperSport has yet to make any formal announcement on this event.
