Nigeria: CFWIJ condemns the abduction of Chidiebere Onyia

This statement was updated on February 17, 2021.

February 11, 2021, Port Harcourt: Chidiebere Onyia, a reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) was allegedly abducted at gunpoint on Tuesday night as she returned home from work.

The Rivers State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has appealed for an immediate release of Chidiebere who was a member of the organization. A statement drafted by Chairman, Stanley Job Stanley and Secretary, Ike Wigodo described the kidnapping as a heinous crime against a journalist. It mentioned that Chidiebere is also a nursing mother at this time, and this is particularly difficult for her family.

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 at the business Manager of Silverbird, Segun Owolabi. These criminal activities against the journalist community are hindering the freedom of the press in the country. NUJ appealed to the government to ensure the safety of its members and urged security agencies to secure Chidiebere’s release.

Police spokesperson in the state, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed Chidiebere's release on February 14. According to him, the kidnappers felt the heat of the mounting public pressure for her retrieval, and as a result abandoned her. She was then sighted and rescued. Chidiebere received medical treatment to aid her recovery from the ordeal, following which, she was debriefed and reunited with her family.

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.