‘It’s hindering press freedom’ — journalism coalition condemns abduction of NTA reporter

The coalition for women in journalism (CFWIJ) has condemned the abduction of Chidiebere Onyia, a reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

Onyia, who is a mother of three, was reportedly kidnapped by gunmen in Port Harcourt, while returning home from work on Tuesday.

In a statement on Friday, the coalition cited an appeal by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for Onyia’s release, adding that criminal activities against journalists was a hindrance to freedom of press in the country.

It condemned the frequent attacks on journalists, and urged the government to ensure their safety.

“Chidiebere is not the only journalist who has been attacked in this manner. The statement by the NUJ noted that reporter Okechukwu Nnodim was abducted in Abuja a few days ago. It also stated that an assassination attempt was made on the business Manager of Silverbird, Segun Owolabi. These criminal activities against the journalist community are hindering the freedom of the press in the country,” the statement reads.

“The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns these repeated attacks on the journalist community in Nigeria.

“Journalists undertake great risks in order to speak truth to power, thus their governments should guarantee their safety in order to have a thriving, democratic society.”