The International Press Centre (IPC) has said that it is extremely concerned over the increase in the number of incidents of abductions of journalists and media professionals as evident in Thursday’s kidnap of Mrs. Chinyere Okoye, a female reporter with Nigeria Television Authority, NTA Aba.
Mrs. Okoye’s abduction is coming barely two weeks after another female On-Air Personality (OAP) with Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), – Pacesetters FM – Umuahia, Ms. Chinenye Iwuoha, was abducted according to the Sun Newspaper of May 28, 2020.
It was gathered that the hoodlums who appeared to have laid in wait to pick Mrs. Okoye to an unknown destination while she waited for the gate to her residence to be opened; has since contacted the husband to demand for ransom.
In a statement, Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, said it was worrisome that journalists have become endangered species, emphasizing 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 adding that it is unfortunate that journalists and other media professionals are now prime targets.
While calling on the security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the freedom of the abducted journalist, Arogundade stressed that journalists are now endangered more than ever and should therefore be mindful of their personal safety.
Packaged by Oludotun Ajibola
