IPC Expresses Concern Over Kidnap of Journalists, says Journalists are now endangered

…calls for release of kidnapped Female NTA reporter

Oru Leonard

The International Press Centre (IPC), has expressed concerned over increase in the number of incidents of abductions of journalists.

This is contained in a release made available to News Dot Africa today by Ms Stella Nwofia, the centre’s Program Manager.

According to the statement “The International Press Centre, IPC, is extremely concerned over the increase in the number of incidents of abductions of journalists and media professionals as evident in today’s kidnap of Mrs. Chinyere Okoye, a female reporter with Nigeria Television Authority, NTA Aba.”

She noted that 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.