Cross River journalist Nten Ekpang was kidnapped by suspected abductors on November 1, 2023, near Lokoja in Kogi State.

Ekpang, a broadcast journalist, was returning to Abuja from a family holiday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, when he was abducted.

The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N10 million for his release, confirmed by journalist and family friend, Kevin Chianan.

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Ekpang had traveled to Akwa Ibom State to drop his family off with his mother-in-law and was in the process of returning to Abuja when he was kidnapped.

According to Chianan, he last spoke to Ekpang when he was about to leave Uyo for Abuja, but later attempts to contact him proved unsuccessful, and his phone was switched off.

Reports indicate that the kidnappers have released the driver of the bus and are now assisting security forces in the rescue effort.

Journalists in Abuja, where Ekpang practices, have called for his safe release and urged security agencies in Kogi State to ensure his safe rescue.

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Ekpang, who has nearly two decades of experience in journalism, hails from the Mbube Community in Ogoja Local Government Area of Northern Cross River State and began his career at the State-owned Cross River Broadcasting Corporation in Calabar, where he worked in various departments, including news, programs, and marketing.