Veteran journalist and columnist with The Vanguard newspapers, Donu Kogbara, has been kidnapped in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. She was taken from her home last week.

Gunmen reportedly stormed her residence in the early hours of Sunday the 30th August, gained forced entry and went straight to her bedroom from where they took and  bundled her inside their car before zooming off.

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has condemned the abduction of Donu Kogbara.

Wike, who spoke through his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Opunabo Nko-Tariah, said the government was committed to ensuring the safety of all residents of the state

Meanwhile, the President of Nigerian Guild Of Editors (NGE) Garba Deen Muhammad has urged the police and other security agencies to ensure the safe release of Donu Kogbara, The Vanguard newspaper columnist who was kidnapped on August 30, 2015 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The NGE boss stated this in a statement made available yesterday appealed to the abductor of the columnists to release her safely to return to her family.

He said, “On behalf of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), I wish to passionately appeal to the   kidnappers of our friend Ms. Donu Kogbara who was abducted on Sunday, 30/8/2015, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Donu Kogbara is a columnist with The Vanguard newspaper.

“Those holding Donu should remember that they have mothers, sisters, wives and daughters whom they cherish and protect intensely.

“Donu is also a mother, wife and sister to other people who care deeply about her. They must not hurt her and should please release her to return to her family immediately.”

Muhammad noted that as a columnist, Donu has always stood for the truth, the poor and the   downtrodden in her approach to national and local issues, saying It is a big disservice to her that she should be subjected to the traumatic experience of being a victim of kidnapping.

He said, “We implore her abductors to be humane and to release her unconditionally to continue with her crusade for a better country for all Nigerians.

“On their part the police and other security agencies must take every step necessary to ensure the safe release of Donu Kogbara; and to put in place measures that will guarantee the safety and security of all Nigerians, especially those exposed to higher risks such as journalists.

“To the family of Donu, we want you to know that we feel your pain at this very trying period and we shall continue to work and pray for the safe return of our dear colleague.

Jummy Ariyo

September 2015

Sources:

Leadership.ng.news

Citypeople.com.ng