Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The kidnapped Channels Television Reporter, Joshua Nte Rogers, has regained his freedom, THISDAY learnt last night.
Sources close to the journalist confirmed his release, even though the police were yet to make an official statement
Rogers was kidnapped on Thursday, by unknown gunmen at about 9pm in front of his residence at Rumuosi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers state.
It was also gathered that the victim, a native of Andoni LGA, was kidnapped on his way from office in front of his residence and his official black GAC GS4 SUV was also taken by his abductors.
A source close to the victim had revealed that operatives of the Police Command, State Security Service, Navy, Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had commenced action to rescue the journalist.
In reaction, Andoni, Opobo/Nkoro Journalists Forum had condemned the kidnap of the member, Joshua Rogers.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr. Philip Owajioboro, Secretary, Allwell Ene, the Forum had frown at the incident, insisting that his abduction was not only barbaric but a threat to journalism practice in Nigeria.
The group had therefore, called on the Nigeria Police and “indeed all security agencies to without delay ensure the release of our member Joshua Rogers unhurt”, just as they had also urged his abductors to release him unconditionally without delay.
Similarly, the national body of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) had called for immediate release of Rogers.
In a statement by its national President, Chris Isiguzo, the NUJ had stated that, “The kidnappers contacted his wife, demanding a ransom of N30 million for his release.”
The NUJ had expressed concern about the escalating insecurity faced by journalists and media practitioners in the country, saying that “It is distressing that individuals involved in the vital work of informing the public have become targets of criminal activities”.
The union had however, appealed to the Rivers State Government and relevant security agencies to prioritize efforts towards securing the safe and immediate release of Joshua Rogers.
