Channels Television reporter Joshua Rogers was abducted by gunmen on Thursday, April 11, near his residence in Rumuosi, Port Harcourt, according to the Centre for the Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ) in Lagos, Nigeria.
Rogers, who was returning from an official assignment at the Government House after covering a government event in Andoni, was driving his official Channels Television branded car when the assailants intercepted him. They reportedly pointed a gun at him and forcefully took him away in the same vehicle.
The I-CSPJ disclosed that the gunmen have contacted Rogers’ wife, demanding a ransom of N30 million for his safe release.
Expressing deep concern over the incident, the Executive Director of the IPC, Lanre Arogundade, emphasised the alarming rise in insecurity across the country. He highlighted the disturbing trend of journalists and media practitioners being targeted by criminals.
The I-CSPJ called upon the Rivers State Government and relevant security agencies to take immediate action to secure Rogers’ safe release without harm.
Additionally, the organisation appealed to national, regional, and international media freedom groups, as well as human rights bodies, to join in demanding Rogers’ release and ensuring his safety.
