International Press Centre demands immediate release of abducted journalists

The International Press Centre, IPC, has demanded the release of two journalists that were recently kidnapped in Kaduna State.

The organization made the call on Monday through the IPC Centre for the Safety and Protection of Journalists, I-CSPJ, calling for a concerted effort towards the immediate release of the journalists.

The abducted journalists are Chairman of the University Correspondents Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, Alhaji AbdulGafar Alabelewe and Blueprint Newspapers reporter, AbdulRaheem Aodu.

They were kidnapped alongside their wives and children on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at their residence in Danhonu community, Millennium City, of Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.

Expressing concern over the development , the IPC Executive Director, Mr Lanre Arogundade said, the high level of insecurity in the country should be of serious concern to all.

“It is very disturbing that journalists and media practitioners have also become easy targets,” he added.

In a statement on Monday, signed by the IPC Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, Arogundade enjoined the Kaduna State Government and relevant security agencies to do all they can to ensure that journalists are set free without being harmed in any way.

He also appealed to other national, regional and international media freedom groups, freedom of expression organisations and human rights bodies to join in the clamour for their release and safety.