Police go after journalist’s kidnappers in Rivers

Gunmen on Friday night abducted a senior journalist and staff of the Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation, Port Harcourt, Mrs Priestba Nwokocha.

Mrs Nwokocha, who is the Director of News in the corporation, popularly called ‘Radio Rivers’, was allegedly whisked away by the gunmen on the Ogonigba/Elelenwo Bridge leading to the old Slaughter Market in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Friday night.

Although details of the abduction were sketchy as of press time, the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in the state confirmed the incident.

Meanwhile, the police in the state said it had launched a manhunt to ensure Nwokocha was released unhurt and the suspects apprehended.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying investigation had begun to apprehend the suspects and ensure the rescue of the female journalist.

Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, stated, “Yes, the incident happened and we (police) have begun investigation to ensure the woman is released and reunited with her family.

“As I speak to you, the Commissioner of Police, Emeka Nwonyi, has ordered the tactical team to ensure the suspects are arrested and brought to justice.”

The NUJ had in a statement jointly signed by its chairman, Stanley Job, and secretary, Ike Wigodo, condemned the act and described it as wicked and insensitive.

The statement said she was whisked away on Friday night by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

It added, “She was abducted at a gunpoint at about 8pm after close of work along Ogonigba/ Elelenwo Bridge leading to the old Slaughter Market in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.”

The NUJ commended the police commissioner for improving on the security situation in the state in the last three months, urging him not to relent.