IPC condemns attacks on journalists from Punch Newspapers, demands quick investigations

The International Press Centre (IPC) has condemned Nigeria’s condition of insecurity, calling it “very worrying.”

The IPC’s recent worry follows the attacks on two Punch Newspapers journalists in Abuja, Amarachi Orjiude and Solomon Odeniyi.

According to the Punch Newspapers, Orjiude was kidnapped about 12 p.m. on Sunday at Chika, Lugbe, while Odeniyi was robbed around 2 a.m. on Saturday in his Lugbe apartment in Abuja.

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Orjiude, who was threatened with death by the kidnappers, was kidnapped of her money and phone, and Odeniyi, who was robbed of his phones, money, and belongings after being slashed numerous times with a matchette by the criminals, was also robbed.

“The International Press Centre (IPC) Lagos-Nigeria is worried about the recent attacks on two Abuja-based journalists of Punch Newspapers; Amarachi Orjiude and Solomon Odeniyi,” the IPC said in a statement through its Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade.

“The country’s state of insecurity has grown exceedingly alarming,” Arogundade remarked.

“In a country where press freedom is under attack, journalists and media workers are now facing the added fear of kidnappings and robbery attacks,” he continued.

“Thoroughly investigate the criminal attacks and prosecute the culprits for their crimes as a step toward lessening the growing situation of insecurity in Nigeria,” the Executive Director pleaded with security operatives and relevant authorities.

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In addition, concerted measures should be made to ensure that stolen property is returned.

“As a result, the IPC calls on security officers to step up their investigations into these offenses,” he said.