By Joke Kujenya
UPDATE:
THIS EVENING, relief washed over the journalistic community as the earlier abducted Channels Television reporter, Joshua Nte Rogers near his home, has been liberated from captivity.
Rogers release from his captors was confirmed by sources close to him, though official confirmation from the Police is still being awaited.
The journalist was nabbed on Thursday by unknown gunmen in front of his home in Obil/Akpor local government area of Rivers State.
Rogers, a native of Andon LGA, was taken while returning from the office, along with his official black GAC GS4 SUV.
In response, the Andoni, Opobo/Nkoro Journalists’ Forum strongly condemned Rogers’ kidnapping, describing the incident as barbaric and a threat to journalism in Nigeria.
The forum urged security agencies to ensure his safe release without delay and appealed to the kidnappers for his unconditional release.
Similarly, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) had earlier demanded Rogers’ immediate release, expressing concern over the increasing insecurity faced by journalists in the country.
NUJ President Chris Isiguzo revealed that the kidnappers had contacted Rogers’ wife, demanding a ransom of N30million for his release.
The eventual release of Rogers was greeted with relief among his colleagues and the wider media community.
Security agencies including the Police Command, State Security Services, Navy, Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps all reportedly swiftly mobilized to secure Rogers’ freedom from the gunmen,
Reuben Okwa, Chairman of Andoni Practicing Journalists Association confirmed the news, stating that Rogers had been reunited with his family.
While it remains unclear whether ransom was paid for Rogers’ release, his quick freedom is deemed to be a mark of victory against the threat to journalists by criminal elements.
Channels TV, where Rogers serves as the Government House correspondent in Port Harcourt, also confirmed his release while expressing gratitude to all who showed concern during the ordeal.
