An Abuja-based reporter with the BBC, Peter Nkanga has cried out to the Nigeria Police Force to safe his life and that of his family.
Nkanga in a letter to the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, seen by Swift Reporters, said he is not feeling safe until Ahmad Isah of the Human Rights Radio 101.1FM signs an undertaking that nothing will happen to him and his family.
Excerpt here is the letter addressed to the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba;
“I am reaching out to you because I don’t feel safe. What is worrying me and really affecting my family is that for over a week, the Police are yet to act on the clear threats to my personal safety.
“On Tuesday, 25 May 2021, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) submitted an official letter with corroborating evidence to the Inspector-General of Police regarding harassment, cyberbullying and threat to my life and others.
“It is over a week now, and I am following up to know the status of the letter and the actions that the Police have taken, most particularly for Ahmad Isah of the Human Rights Radio 101.1Fm to be invited to sign an undertaking that no harm will befall me, my family and BBC crew. This is because the harassment and threats were occasioned by our phone numbers released on his Live programme to the public.
“I am reaching out to you Mr Mba because I don’t feel safe. Truth be told, I won’t feel safe until Ahmad signs this undertaking for at least two (2) reasons:
1). Because Ahmad is someone with power & influence who boldly lied on his Live show when he told his followers and the whole world that I and the BBC plotted to kill him. This was a premeditated lie with malicious intentions.
2). Because Ahmad, in at least one similar instance that I know, got his mob to harass and threaten a station manager at LoveFM some years back. I spoke to the station manager who had to insist that the Police get Ahmad to sign an undertaking. The importance of getting this undertaking for my safety must be emphasised.
“Family, friends and associates, at home and abroad, feel the same way. We are calling on the Police to intervene to nip the threat to my life and ensure the safety of me, my family and the BBC crew by getting Ahmad to sign an undertaking.
Peter Nkanga
Journalist in hiding
Attached is the letter from BBC addressed to the Inspector General of Police: IG Acknowledgement
Also, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes #pressfreedom worldwide has called on the Government to protect Peter Nkanga: https://twitter.com/CPJAfrica/status/1399381066817933314
