The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, has disclosed that the guild cannot raise funds to pay the ransom of their kidnapped members.
Africa Daily News, New York recalls that after two days two members of the AGN, Clemson Cornell and Cynthia Okereke, were kidnapped in Enugu, and their kidnappers have demanded a ransom of $100,000.
In an interview with Sunday Scoop, Rollas said ‘The Actors Guild of Nigeria cannot set apart funds for rescuing kidnapped actors, because we have not even set aside funds to help ailing actors. The insecurity in the nation is affecting everybody, not only actors.’
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When asked how the AGN is planning to raise money for the release of the kidnapped actors, he said, ‘We are liasing with the family. It is not the guild that is supposed to provide the money. Right now, we are still brainstorming on what to do, while the security operatives are also doing their jobs.
‘We have already taken a proactive step to say that actors should not go to the outskirts of town to shoot films. Even the ones who are filming in cities should ensure that they have adequate security.’
Rollas also stated that though a demand for ransom had been made, no ultimatum had been given on when the money should be paid.
Africa Daily News, New York recalls that AGN’s Director of Communications, Monalisa Chinda had two days ago announced that the actors’ families have confirmed that they were yet to return from a film Location at Ozalla Town, Enugu State.
A statement signed by Chinda reads, ‘Two members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Cynthia Okereke and Clemson Cornel aka (Agbogidi) were reported missing after their family members confirmed they didn’t come back from a film Location at Ozalla Town, Enugu state.
‘The two members were suspected to have been kidnapped and this has increased fear amongst members about the safety of Actors filming in the country.
‘In view of this sad development, the National President of the Guild, Ejezie Emeka Rollas has instructed all Actors to avoid going to outskirt of cities to film except full security cover is provided to ensure their safety.’
