Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State has condemned the abduction of 5 journalists by gunmen, between Akwa Ibom and Abia States.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary/ Special Assistant on Media, Patrick Ugbe, Imoke lamented that such acts of criminality were getting out of hand, and called on the security agencies to not only fish out the perpetrators and bring them to book, but to put a check to such acts in the country.

Imoke also commiserated with the leadership of NUJ, Nigerian Journalists, and the families of the 5 kidnapped journalists, praying that they regain their freedom without any harm.

“It is becoming embarrassing and rather unfortunate that Nigerians are now using kidnapping as a business. This surely is not our way of life. Such acts are unacceptable and should not be tolerated", he said.

Imoke was particularly concerned that yet again innocent journalists were at the receiving end of such acts of criminality, recalling the fate of other journalists who have been murdered recently.

The 5 kidnapped journalists were returning from the NUJ NEC meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State when the incident occurred.