IPC Demands Swift Action for Release of Kidnapped Journalists in Kaduna
By Omowumi Omotosho
The International Press Centre (IPC) has called for the immediate release of two journalists who were recently kidnapped in Kaduna State.
The IPC, through its Centre for the Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ), urged swift action to secure the release of the journalists.
The kidnapped individuals include the Chairman of the University Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, AbdulGafar Alabelewe, and a reporter for Blueprint Newspapers, AbdulRaheem Aodu.
The abductions occurred on Saturday, July 6, 2024, in the Danhonu community, Millennium City, of Chikun LGA, Kaduna State. The journalists were taken alongside their wives and children.
Expressing grave concern, IPC Executive Director Mr. Lanre Arogundade highlighted the alarming insecurity in the country, emphasizing that “it is very disturbing that journalists and media practitioners have also become easy targets.”
In a statement released by IPC Press Freedom Officer Melody Akinjiyan, Arogundade urged the Kaduna State Government and relevant security agencies to ensure the journalists’ safe and unharmed return.
He also called on other national, regional, and international media freedom organizations, freedom of expression groups, and human rights bodies to join the demand for their release and safety.