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Anger In PH As Gunmen Abduct Wazobia FM Presenter …NUJ, Police React
A broadcaster with Cool/Wazobia FM Station, Port Harcourt, Mr Anthony Akatakpo, was yesterday shot and abducted from his home in Port Harcourt by gunmen, the family said.
The victim’s wife, Mrs Candy Akatakpo, said the kidnappers invaded their house at about 2a.m, captured her husband, shot him in the leg and took him away in his car.
She said the abductors demanded N10 million ransom for his release, adding that they operated for more than 50 minutes before leaving.
Candy said the kidnappers also took away some money and other belongings of members of the family.
She said that the family members were held hostage for sometime after which they left with their victim.
Candy said the family was apprehensive about the safety of Akatakpo because of the gunshot on his leg.
She appealed to the security agencies in Rivers State to do everything possible to secure his release.
The Rivers State Police Command has, however, confirmed the abduction.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Johnson Tunde Ogunsakin, led a team of officers to visit the house of the broadcaster in Port Harcourt.
Ogunsakin later told newsmen that the command had commenced investigation into the incident.
He said the police would work hard to free Akatakpo and apprehend the suspects.
Ogunsakin reiterated his warning to kidnappers and other criminals to leave the state or face the consequences.
In a statement signed by the Head of Stations, Cool/WAZOBIA FM and Nigeria Info, Port Harcourt, Aduratomi Bolade, yesterday, the management of STEAM & GLOBE BROADCASTING AND COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED, owners of the radio stations, condemned the kidnap of their staff and on-air personality on Wazobia FM Port Harcourt, Anthony Akatakpo, famously called Akas Baba.
According to the statement, ”Akas Baba was beaten and shot in the leg by the kidnappers in the presence of his children and wife, despite cooperating with his attackers. He was thereafter whisked away in his Mitsubishi Endeavor SUV with Registration Number LSD 871 CM. This very violent act still leaves Akas Baba’s family in great trauma.
“We hereby urge security operatives in the state to do everything possible to quicken the release of the ace broadcaster from the kidnappers’ den. We are worried that his health might degenerate if he does not get access to medical care as a result of the gunshot wound he sustained,” it added.
“We also enjoin anyone with vital information that could aid the release of Akas Baba to contact the nearest police station, or call the number: 08099930069 or send a text to 32355.
Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council has condemned, in strong terms, the abduction of Mr. Anthony Akatakpo, by yet to be indentified gunmen in the early hours of yesterday.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt and signed Chairman, Opaka Dokubo and Secretary, Stanley Job Stanley, respectively, the union wondered why journalists and other media practitioners in the country have become targets for kidnappers and armed robbers.
While decrying the increasing rate of kidnapping, armed robbery and general insecurity in the state, and the country in general, the NUJ called on security agencies to brace up and confront the menace before it gets out of hand.
The union appealed to the abductors of Akatakpo to release him unconditionally and without delay, so as to enable him seek medical attention over the gun-shot wound.
Reacting further, the Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Godswill Jumbo, in a statement, condemned, in the strongest terms, the reported shooting and kidnap of Mr. Anthony Akatakpo by some hoodlums from his residence in Rumuekini in Port Harcourt.
“The act is condemnable because it engenders a deplorable watershed in our society where the purveyors of information are made unwieldy targets of crime and criminality.
“Let me, in tandem with all journalists and media personalities, demand the immediate and unconditional release of Akas Baba to his family unhurt”.
The Tide learnt that on-air-personalities from Cool/Wazobia FM and Nigeria Info are set to protest to the Rivers State police command headquarters today to register their demands for the quick release of their colleague and friend, Akas Baba.
Akas Baba is the host of “Make Una Wake Up”, the breakfast show on Wazobia FM, Port Harcourt.
Taneh Beemene
Vice Chancellor, Rivers State University f Science and Technology, Prof Barineme Fakae (left) and General Manager, Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mr Celestine Ogolo, during the facility visit of members of the Editorial Board of the corporation to the university, last Wednesday. Photo: Chris Monyanaga
The 23 For OK & P-BAT Movement, a political pressure group championing the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governorship ambition of Honourable Ogundu Kingsley Chinda across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections, has congratulated both leaders on their victories at the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.
In a statement issued by the National Coordinator, Amb. Goodluck Braide, who also doubles as the President of the Renewed Hope Multi-Purpose Co-Operative Limited, President Tinubu’s victory at the APC presidential primaries in Rivers State was described as a reflection of his growing popularity and acceptance among Nigerians. The group noted that since assuming office in 2023, the President has implemented bold economic reforms aimed at repositioning the country for sustainable growth, prosperity, and national development.
According to the group, the outcome of the primaries is an indication of what to expect in the 2027 general elections.
The group also congratulated Honourable Ogundu Kingsley Chinda on his emergence as the APC governorship flag bearer in Rivers State, describing the primary election process as peaceful, transparent, free, and fair. It stated that Chinda’s emergence signals increasing political unity among Rivers people across ethnic and political divides.
According to the movement, the APC made a strategic and wise decision in presenting Chinda as its governorship candidate, citing his leadership experience, competence, charisma, and proven capacity as qualities that position the party for victory in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Amb. Goodluck Braide, National Coordinator
The statement further acknowledged the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, praising his political foresight, resilience, and commitment to maintaining unity within the political structure in Rivers State while ensuring the state remains relevant in national politics.
The group equally commended the leadership of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentanwe Yilwatda, noting that under his leadership since July 2025, the party has witnessed renewed strength, unity, and political growth ahead of the 2027 elections.
It also congratulated the people of Rivers State and Nigerians generally for their continued support and confidence in the Tinubu administration, which it said has made notable progress in promoting national cohesion, social integration, and economic development.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
