The International Press Centre, on Tuesday, urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the attack and abduction of two Abuja-based journalists of PUNCH Newspapers, Solomon Odeniyi and Amarachi Orjiude, within 24-hours.
The PUNCH reports that while Odeniyi was robbed around 2am on Saturday in his Lugbe residence of Abuja, Orjiude was picked up by kidnappers in Chika, Lugbe, around 12pm on Sunday.
Reacting to the development in a statement, IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, raised concerns over the state of insecurity in the country, describing the menace as “extremely worrisome”.
The statement signed by IPC Communications Officer, Olutoyin Ayoade, read, “In a country where press freedom is under attack, journalists and media workers now face additional threats of kidnappings and robbery attacks.
“Security operatives and relevant authorities must 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.”
Copyright PUNCH.