Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the demise of three members of a SuperSport crew who were brutally murdered in a kidnapping ambush in Anambra State on Saturday.
According to reports, the victims were traveling to Uyo, Akwa Ibom, to broadcast the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Libya.
Details surrounding the incident are still sketchy, but sources close to the matter have revealed that the sports crew was attacked by a group of armed kidnappers, who were attempting to abduct them for ransom.
The victims, whose names have not been disclosed, were reportedly killed in the crossfire between the kidnappers and the security agencies who responded to the distress call.
The gruesome murder of the sports crew members has sent shockwaves across Nigeria, with many calling for increased security measures to be put in place to protect media practitioners and other citizens.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleagues and we condemn the senseless killing of innocent lives," said the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in a statement.
"We stand in solidarity with the families of the victims and we will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served," the statement added.
The incident has also sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians calling for the government to take immediate action to address the rising insecurity in the country.
"This is a wake-up call for the government to take security seriously," said one Twitter user.
"How can we just allow kidnappers to operate freely in the country? It's time for the government to take action," added another user.
The 2025 AFCON qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya is still scheduled to take place as planned, despite the tragic incident.
The match is expected to be tense, with both teams seeking to secure a spot in the tournament.