New York, January 20, 2012–A television reporter covering the aftermath of coordinated terrorist attacks in northern Nigeria was gunned down this afternoon, according to local journalists and news reports.
Enenche Akogwu, 31, a reporter and video camera operator with independent broadcaster Channels TV, was shot by unidentified gunmen as he attempted to interview witnesses of a deadly terrorist attack in Kano, capital of Kano state, Channels TV regional news editor Bashir Adigun told CPJ. The journalist had just returned from a news conference organized by police after multiple suicide bombings targeted government buildings, Adigun said.
At least seven people were killed in the attacks, The Associated Press reported. The extremist Islamist group Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the bombings, according to news reports.
“We condemn the murder of Enenche Akogwu and extend our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues,” said CPJ Africa Advocacy Coordinator Mohamed Keita. “Nigerian authorities must spare no efforts in bringing his killers to justice.”
Akogwu never reported receiving any threats, Adigun told CPJ. Channels TV described Akogwu on its website as “a resourceful and fearless reporter” who “covered the northern region uncovering breaking stories and events across the troubled northern region.” The journalist had worked with the station since 2010.