May 14, 2021, Yola – Journalist Amra Ahmed Diska was released and regained her freedom after seven days of abduction. The journalist was forcefully kidnapped on May 4 by a group of gunmen. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) welcomes the release of Amra, however, we demand the Nigerian security forces ensure journalists’ safety. 

Journalist Amra Ahmed Diska, the news editor at Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Yola in the Mbamba community, was abducted from her home on May 4. Reportedly, the attackers forcefully kidnapped the journalist from her home and left her six-month-old baby.

According to the Guardian Nigeria, Amra was released on May 11 with an undisclosed ransom. Her husband, Isa-Mbamba said that her ransom was paid before her release and she returned home safely. “Amra regained her freedom on Tuesday, May 11, at about 10 p.m. and reunited with her family,” he added. 

DSP Süleyman Nguroje, the spokesperson for Adamawa State Police Command, also confirmed Amra’s release. In the statement, he said, the police were trailing the kidnappers since the beginning when she disappeared.

Speaking to the newspaper, the journalist said she was happy to return home with her family and friends.

The news editor was abducted from her home on May 4. The news reports documented that the kidnappers targeted her husband but Amra was abducted when they could not find him.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is relieved that the journalist is safe and sound yet calls on the authorities to take better measures to ensure safety of women journalists in the country.