Kidnapped FRCN Presenter Released By Gunmen
Oru Leonard
The Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) presenter with the Pacesetter FM station in Umuahia, Abia State, Chinenye Iwuoha who was kidnapped by gunmen had been freed on Thursday morning.
The kidnappers of Iwuoha had asked the family to pay N20 million ransom for her release but the security agents mounted pressure on the kidnappers and she was rescued unhurt.
The Abia State commissioner of Police, CP Janet Agbede who confirmed the release of the journalist said that the kidnappers released her unconditionally as police mounted heavy pressure on them.
Some Nigerians and organisations including the International Press Centre (IPC), had condemned Monday’s abduction of Iwuoha. IPC also urged the federal government and its law enforcement agencies to take urgent action to ensure the safety of the journalist and secure her release.
Chinenye was kidnapped by gunmen at about 7pm on May 4 on her way home from work. She was reported to have been traveling in a vehicle with the station’s general manager and the other employees when they were attacked by the gunmen who then abducted her.
In a statement published earlier by News Dot Africa, Mr Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director, IPC had condemned the kidnap of the female journalist noting that the pattern of using journalists as bargaining chips by kidnappers is unacceptable
Lanre noted that the rising dangers faced by journalists is leading to greater levels of concern and called for immediate action to guarantee their safety and hold accountable those who endanger them.
