Rivers Journalist Kidnapped By Gunmen Demanding N30 Million Ransom

Joshua Rogers

ON Thursday, April 11, Joshua Rogers, a journalist for Channels Television who covers the Rivers State Government House, was kidnapped from his home in Rumuosi, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.

Rogers was attacked by attackers not long after he got home from work, according to those with direct knowledge of the situation.

The terrifying incident was described in full by an unnamed insider, who said, “Yes, he was kidnapped last night at his residence in Rumuosi and taken away in his car by some unknown gunmen.

“We are appealing to the kidnappers to release him immediately and unhurt. He is just a journalist doing his job and not a moneybags. So I don't know the purpose of his kidnap.”

It was learned that Rogers had assiduously covered a significant event earlier in the day in Ndoni, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara officially opened a Primary Healthcare Center.

The PAMO Educational Foundation founded and donated the institution, which had its official opening on Thursday.

Rogers' wife was reportedly contacted by the kidnappers, who asked for a substantial ransom of N30 million to ensure Rogers' safe return.

The State Police Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, has not yet released a formal statement verifying the occurrence as of this Friday, April 12.

This incident, however, serves as a reminder of the dangerous hazards that brave journalists who bravely carry out their duty to inform the public—often in difficult settings—face.

Similar events occurred in 2023 when the family of Priestha Anthony, the director of news at Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation (RSBC), was abducted and held hostage until they paid a ransom of N150 million.

Many others agree that Rogers should be freed immediately, highlighting how important it is to protect press freedom and media professionals' safety.