Centre calls for journalists’ safety amid NTA reporter’s abduction

Odahiekwu Ogunde

The International Press Centre has expressed worry over the rising cases of abductions of journalists and media practitioners in the country.

The centre, therefore, called on the relevant authorities to ensure safety and security of journalists in the line of their duties.

The organisation said on Friday that the abduction of a female reporter of the Nigerian Television, Aba, Mrs. Chinyere Okoye, on Thursday, had swelled the number of journalists captured by suspected kidnappers.

Okoye’s abduction is coming barely two weeks after another female On-Air Personality with Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (Pacesetters FM), Umuahia, Ms. Chinenye Iwuoha, was reportedly abducted.

It was learnt that the hoodlums, who reportedly whisked Okoye away to an unknown destination while she waited for the gate of her residence to be opened, had since contacted her husband to demand ransom. 

In a statement on Friday,  Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, said it was worrisome that journalists had become endangered species.

He emphasized the importance of supporting efforts to improve safety of journalists in the country. 

The IPC director said the spate of insecurity in the country should be a big concern to all, noting  that it was unfortunate that journalists and other media professionals were now prime targets.

While calling on the security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted journalist, Arogundade stressed that journalists were now endangered more than ever and should therefore be mindful of their personal safety. 

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