A spokeswoman for South African broadcaster M-Net/SuperSport confirmed that two journalists abducted at gunpoint on 1 March have been released.
WAN-IFRA and IASN welcome release of kidnapped journalists
(WAN-IFRA/IFEX) – 9 March 2010 – The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) and the International Association of Sports Newspapers (IASN) have welcomed the release of two sports journalists being held hostage in Nigeria.
South African sound engineer Nic Greyling and Nigerian commentator Bowie Attamah were abducted at gunpoint on 1 March near the southern town of Owerri, Imo State. The journalists had been part of a team of 21 media professionals traveling to a local airport after covering a Nigerian Premier League football match for South African broadcaster M-Net/SuperSport.
M-Net/SuperSport spokeswoman Caroline Creasy confirmed to WAN-IFRA the release of the captive journalists. While welcoming the release, WAN-IFRA reminded the Nigerian authorities that it is the duty of the state to provide an environment in which journalists are able to carry out their professional duties without fear of violence.
Ms Creasy said Bowie Attamah was released on 5 March and Nick Greyling on 8 March. A third hostage, Alexander Effiong, escaped from his captors on 2 March.
