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By Chukwuebuka Okija
In a pressing appeal, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has demanded the swift liberation of Joshua Rogers, a Channels Television correspondent who was recently abducted.
The plea was issued by NUJ President Chris Iziguzo during an interview with Newsmen in Abuja on Friday.
The incident occurred on Thursday night when Mr. Rogers was forcibly taken from his home in Rumuosi, Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State. The abduction took place at approximately 9:00 p.m. following Mr. Rogers’s return from a work-related task at the Government House.
The assailants ambushed him and abducted him using a vehicle bearing the Channels Television insignia.
“Following the abduction, the abductors contacted his wife, demanding a ransom of N30 million for his release.
“The NUJ is deeply concerned about the escalating insecurity faced by journalists and media practitioners in the country.
“It is distressing that individuals involved in the vital work of informing the public have become targets of criminal activities.
“The NUJ hereby appeals to the Government of Rivers State and relevant security agencies to prioritise efforts towards securing the safe and immediate release of Rogers,” he said.
Amidst this critical period, President Iziguzo highlighted the imperative of safeguarding the safety and welfare of journalists.
He accentuated the severity of the predicament and called for immediate, collective measures to counteract the escalating dangers faced by journalists throughout Nigeria.
“We urge for swift and effective measures to be taken to secure Rogers’ freedom and bring an end to this distressing ordeal.
“The NUJ stands in solidarity with Rogers, his family, Channels TV and we demand immediate action to secure his safe retur
n,” Mr Isiguzo said.
