The International Press Centre (IPC) has called for the immediately release of kidnapped female reporter of the Nigeria television Authority, Mrs. Chinyere Okoye.
Mrs Okoye was kidnapped in Abia by some gunmen on Wednesday night after close of work.
She was picked up in front of her gate as she tried to enter her compound.
She has since contacted the husband to demand for ransom.
Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, said the centre is extremely concerned over the increase in the number of incidents of abductions of journalists and media professionals.
Arogundade, in a statement by Stella Nwofia, Program Manager of IPC, described the kidnap as worrisome adding that journalists have become endangered species in the country.
“It was worrisome that journalists have become endangered species, emphasizing the importance of supporting efforts to improve safety of journalists in the country,” he said.
The IPC Director said the spate of insecurity in the country should be a big concern to all.
He also said “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 should be mindful of their personal safety.
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.
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