Joshua Rogers, a reporter with Channels TV, was abducted. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for his prompt release. This appeal was made by NUJ President Dr. Chris Iziguzo on Friday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
On Thursday night, Rogers was kidnapped from his Rumuosi, Port-Harcourt, residence. About nine o’clock at night, after he had finished an official duty at Government House, he was taken hostage by gunmen.
The culprits stopped him and took him away violently in a car with the Channels Television insignia.
“The kidnappers contacted his wife after the kidnapping and demanded a ransom of N30 million to ensure his safe release.
The growing sense of vulnerability that media workers and journalists throughout are experiencing deeply disturbs the NUJ.
“It is depressing that people who perform the vital duty of informing the public have fallen victim to crimes.
“The NUJ urges the Rivers State Government and relevant security agencies to prioritize actions aimed at securing Rogers’ swift and safe release,” he said.
The president of NUJ emphasized how critical it is to protect the safety and well-being of journalists in these difficult times.
Isiguzo stressed the gravity of the situation and the need for coordinated action to address the growing threats that journalists around the country are facing.
“We demand that swift action be done to obtain Rogers’ release and put a stop to this traumatic ordeal.
“The NUJ stands firmly with Rogers, his family, and Channels TV, and we insist on immediate action to ensure his safe return,” Isiguzo said.
