In a disturbing turn of events, Channels Television journalist, Joshua Rogers, was abducted by unidentified gunmen on Thursday night.
Mr. Rogers, who covers the Rivers State Government House for the television station, was reportedly followed home from work. Sources claim that upon arriving at his residence in Rumuosi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area at around 9 pm, Rogers was accosted by the assailants before he could exit his vehicle. The gunmen, brandishing firearms, forced him into the car and drove away to an unknown location.
While the motive behind the kidnapping remains unclear, a source close to the situation, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed Mr. Rogers’ earlier coverage of a government event in Ndoni, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, where the Governor and Siminalayi Fubara commissioned a new Primary Healthcare Centre.
“He was indeed kidnapped last night at his residence in Rumuosi,” the source revealed. “The gunmen took him away in his car. We are pleading with them to release him unharmed. He’s just a journalist doing his job, not some wealthy target. We have no idea why they would do this.”
Further reports indicate that the kidnappers have contacted Mr. Rogers’ wife and demanded a ransom of N30 million for his safe return.
This incident has caused significant concern among media outlets in Rivers State. Authorities are currently investigating the matter and have yet to make any arrests.
