The International Press Centre is gravely concerned at the increasing attacks against journalists in Nigeria, after one "Punch Newspapers" journalist is abducted and another assaulted and robbed.
This statement was originally published on ipcng.org on 15 March 2022.
The International Press Centre (IPC) Lagos-Nigeria is concerned about the recent attacks on two Abuja-based journalists of Punch Newspapers; Amarachi Orjiude and Solomon Odeniyi.
Reports from the Punch Newspapers specified that Orjiude was picked up by kidnappers in Chika, Lugbe, around 12pm on Sunday, while Odeniyi was robbed around 2am on Saturday in his Lugbe residence of Abuja.
Orjiude, who faced death threats from the kidnappers, was robbed of her money and phone; likewise, Odeniyi, who was cut severely with a machete by the robbers, was also robbed of his phones, money and belongings.
IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, in a statement said that the state of insecurity in the country has become extremely worrisome.
He added that in a country where press freedom is under attack, journalists and media workers now face the additional threats of kidnappings and robbery attacks.
He pleaded with security operatives and relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the criminal attacks, and prosecute the perpetrators for their crimes as a step to reducing the worsening state of insecurity in Nigeria, while concerted efforts should be taken to ensure that the stolen belongings are returned.
IPC therefore appeals to security operatives to escalate investigations into these crimes.
