The immediate past NBA chairman, Port Harcourt branch, Prince Nyekwere has described the kidnap of Okey Wali, an ex-president of the association as “unfortunate”.

Mr Wali was kidnapped on April 18 by unknown gunmen who shot his driver and one other aide dead.

Reacting to the news, Mr Nyekwere said the association was pained that Mr Wali was having such experience a second time.

According to him, for the fact that two persons were killed during his abduction revealed that the kidnappers were on a mission.

He said “We (NBA, Port Harcourt) are in low spirit. It is very unfortunate and this is the second time he will be having the experience (abduction). That is why we are distraught.

“We don’t know who is doing this. You know he is the 26th president of the NBA. He was also a former chairman of the NBA, Port Harcourt branch.

“So, all of us feel pained that this happened to him. We pray that the abductors release him unhurt, while the security agencies too should do their best to ensure he is safely released.”

The Rivers state Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed that efforts were being made to ensure Mr Wali’s release and assured that the perpetrators when captured are going to face justice.

“We are on top of the situation. You know we cannot disclose our modus operandi, but rest assured that the police are not sleeping.

“We are working round the clock to ensure he is released unhurt as well as to apprehend the perpetrators and make them face justice.”