Ensure Safe, Immediate Release Of Kidnapped Channels TV Reporter, NUJ Urges Rivers Govt, Security Agencies
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Friday, demanded immediate release of the Channels TV reporter Joshua Rogers who was abducted from his residence in Rumuosi, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday night.
NUJ in a statement by its National President, Dr Chris Isiguzo, urged the Rivers State Government and security agencies to prioritize efforts towards securing the safe and immediate release of the kidnapped reporter.
According to NUJ in the statement, “Rogers was taken by unknown gunmen around 9 p.m. as he returned from an official assignment at the government house”, adding, “The assailants intercepted him and forcefully took him away in a Channels Television-branded vehicle”.
” It is distressing that individuals involved in the vital work of informing the public have become targets of criminal activities.The NUJ appeals to the Rivers State Government and relevant security agencies to prioritize efforts towards securing the safe and immediate release of Joshua Rogers”, it said.
NUJ added, ” We emphasize the importance of ensuring his well-being and safety during this critical time. The NUJ underscores the gravity of the situation and stresses the need for concerted action to address the rising threats against journalists across Nigeria”.
” We urge swift and effective measures to be taken to secure Joshua Rogers’ freedom and bring an end to this distressing ordeal.
The NUJ stands in solidarity with Joshua Rogers and his family, and we demand immediate action to secure his safe return.
The union stressed, ” Following the abduction, the kidnappers contacted his wife, demanding a ransom of N30 million for his release”, saying, ” The NUJ is deeply concerned about the escalating insecurity faced by journalists and media practitioners in the country”.
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