Kidnappers Demand 10M Ransom For Abducted Journalist In Kogi

Nten  Ekpang

The criminal elements who abducted Cross River-born journalist, Nten  Ekpang, are demanding the sum of N10m as ransom for his release.

It was gathered that the broadcast journalist was kidnapped on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, near Lokoja in Kogi State while returning to Abuja after a family holiday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

His abduction was confirmed by another journalist and family friend, Kevin Chianan.

"Mr. Ekpang, traveled on Sunday to Akwa Ibom State to drop his family with the mother-in-law. I called him on Wednesday in the morning, and he told me he was in the park where he was about to leave Uyo for Abuja,” Chianan said.

"I called him back at about 6 pm to find out whether he had gotten to Abuja, but I couldn’t get in touch with him, his number was switched off. At about 9 pm, I was told that he had been kidnapped.”

Journalists in Abuja where he practices have urged the kidnappers to release Ekpang unharmed and have called on security agencies in Kogi State to ensure his safe rescue.

Also, reports indicate that the driver of the bus was released by the kidnappers and is now assisting security forces with the rescue effort.

The journalist with about two decades of experience hails from the Mbube Community in Ogoja Local Government Area of Northern Cross River State.

His rise in the profession was achieved at the State-owned Cross River Broadcasting Corporation in Calabar, where he jostled between the news, programs, and marketing departments, CrossRiverWatch reported.