Some journalists abducted in Enugu State have regained freedom.
The news crew of the Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) were last Wednesday abducted by unknown gunmen while covering the 2022 Enugu local government election.
Elated by their release, the leadership of the International Press Centre (IPC) stated that “we are delighted that the news crew of the ESBS abducted by unknown gunmen on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, while covering the 2022 Enugu local government elections have regained freedom.”
The Taraba State capital, by the IPC’s Press Freedom/Safety of Journalists Officer, Melody AkinJiyan, the Execute Director, IPC, Lanre Arogundade, said: “it is pleasant news that they are back alive.”
He, however, expressed sadness at the way and manner lives of media practitioners in the country have continued to be on the line following the activities of the undesirable elements.
According to him “It remains extremely worrisome that journalists and other media professionals continue to fall prey to dangerous elements amidst the general insecurity in the country.”
Aligning their weights to that of Arogundade and other IPC staff, journalists who spoke with our correspondent, described their release as good for the media profession in the country and the globe at large.
They however urged security agencies not to leave any stone unturned in arresting and bringing all the perpetrators to book.
The abducted journalists were said to have been attacked at Obeagu in Enugu South Local Government Council on their way to Agbani, Nkanu West Local Government.
Those freed include a driver, a cameraman and three reporters including a reporter with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).