The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on Sunday made a passionate appeal for the release of Vanguard columnist, Ms. Donu Kogbara, abducted in Port Harcourt on Sunday, August 30.
A statement by the Guild’s President, Garba Deen Muhammad, called on her kidnappers to 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 said.
The statement continued: “As a columnist, Donu has always stood for the truth, the poor and the downtrodden in her approach to national and local issues. It is therefore a big disservice to her that she should be subjected to the traumatic experience of being a victim of kidnapping. 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.”
The International Press Centre (IPC), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), among others, have also called for her immediate release.
Kogbara is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of African Access Limited, a public relations outfit. She was also a member of the board of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority from 2009 t0 2015.
Apart from Vanguard which she has been with for some 30 years, Kogbara has worked with BBC, Channel 4, the Sunday Times and The Mail.
