Gunmen Abduct TV Reporter In Rivers, Demand N30m Ransom

Gunmen have kidnapped one of the reporters of Channels Television in Rivers State, Joshua Rogers.

The abduction of Rogers on Thursday night, Saturday INDEPENDENT gathered, happened around 9 p.m. close to his residence at Rumuosi, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of the state.

Our correspondent learnt that the victim was driving in his official branded vehicle home when the hoodlums accosted him, threatened him with a gun, and whisked him away to an unknown location using his vehicle.

Rogers before he was kidnapped was said to be returning from his official assignment in Government House, Port Harcourt, after covering a political event in Andoni Local Government Area of the state.

Meanwhile, the abductors, it was gathered, have since contacted the victim’s wife, demanding a ransom of N30 million for his release.

The Cameraman of the abducted reporter who did not want his name mentioned, confirmed the incident and appealed to the abductors to set the colleague free unconditionally.

In the meantime, the Andoni, Opobo/Nkoro Journalists Forum, has condemned the kidnap of Joshua Rogers in strong terms.

The group in a statement signed by its President, Philip Owajioboro Philip, and Secretary, Allwell Ene, on Friday, frowned at the abduction of their colleague, describing it as not only barbaric but also a threat to journalism practice in Nigeria.

The group, however, called on the Nigeria Police and indeed all security agencies to without any delay ensure the release of Joshua Rogers unhurt.

“The Andoni, Opobo/Nkoro Journalists Forum has in strong terms condemned the kidnap of our member, Joshua Rogers.

“The Forum frowns at and views his abduction as not only barbaric but a threat to journalism practice in Nigeria.”

They added, “We therefore call on the Nigeria Police and indeed all security agencies to without delay ensure the release of our member, Joshua Rogers, unhurt.

“We also urge his abductors to release him unconditionally without any iota of delay.”