The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is calling for the immediate release of Joshua Rogers, a reporter with Channels TV, who was abducted from his residence in Rumuosi, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday night.
Rogers was taken by unknown gunmen around 9 p.m. as he returned from an official assignment at the government house.
In a statement signed by its National President, Chris Isiguzo, the NUJ expressed deep concern about the escalating insecurity faced by journalists and media practitioners in the country.
The union said it was distressing that individuals involved in the vital work of informing the public have become targets of criminal activities.
It appealed to the Rivers State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the safe and immediate release of Joshua Rogers and take further steps to ensure his well-being and safety during this critical time.
The NUJ called swift and effective measures to be taken to secure Joshua Rogers’ freedom and bring an end to the distressing ordeal assuring that the stands in solidarity with Joshua Rogers and his family.
The assailants intercepted him and forcefully took him away in a Channels Television-branded vehicle.
Following the abduction, the kidnappers contacted his wife, demanding a ransom of N30 million for his release.