Jubilation and tears of joy took over Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation, (ANPC) and NUJ Anambra chapter as Barr. Matthew Onwuasoanya, a journalist who was declared missing, regained freedom 41 days after he was kidnapped by unknown gunmen.
Onwuasoanya, a private lawyer, who practices journalism with the state-owned National Light newspapers, was last seen on May 30, 2020, according to a statement signed by the state Council Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Emmanuel Ifesinachi, and his Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Udeagha.
The Council said they were briefed of the incident on Wednesday by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation, (ANPC), Mr Chuka Nnabuife, who said the whereabouts of the missing man had equally been reported to the police.
Sir Chuka Nnabuife, Editor of the newspaper, Mrs Rose Oranye, along with Chairman, Ananmbra State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sir Emma Ifesinachi and the council’s Secretary, Mr. Emma Udeagha, on Thursday, July 9, 2020, met with Mr Onwuasoanya and members of his family.
During the meeting, Barr. Onwuasoanya narrated his ordeal within the five weeks of his surprised abscence. He explained that he was not abducted from his residence on May 30, 2020 .
He confirmed that he was picked up by some security men as reported but he got released thereafter. After the shocking encounter with security agents which left him rattled, he promptly sought medical attention to attend to the traumatic experience.
He disclosed that he received treatment all the while until he returned home while expressing his regret for his inability to reach out to anybody given that he lives alone and had lost his phones in the process.
ANPC hereby specially express gratitude to Anambra State Government, led by Governor Willie Obiano (Akpokuedike) for his very rare fatherly concern; Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C.Don Adinuba; the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP John Abang; the Directorate of State Security (DSS), Ananmbra State Command; the NUJ executive and members in Ananmbra State; all operatives in the media industry within and outside Nigeria who contributed in no small way in tracing the whereabouts of Mr Onwuasoanya and identified with ANPC all through this period of dire need. We rejoice that we have found him.
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