Amnesty seeks release of Plateau journalist reportedly detained by Army

Amnesty International has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Plateau journalist and human rights defender Lawrence Zongo, who was reportedly detained by the Nigerian Army after visiting injured relatives at a military hospital in Jos.

The organisation said Zongo was taken into custody on Monday, October 5, at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba Barracks, the headquarters of the Army’s 3 Division. It alleged that he has since been held without access to his lawyers or family.

The Army has not publicly confirmed the reported detention or explained the circumstances surrounding it.

According to Amnesty’s account reported by Daily Post, Zongo had gone to see relatives receiving treatment after an attack in Bassa Local Government Area. The organisation called for him to be handed over to civil authorities or released.

Premium Times reported that sources familiar with the incident said the relatives were attacked on Sunday night in Miango. One of Zongo’s first cousins was reportedly injured and later died. The outlet said it could not independently verify the detention claims as of Wednesday afternoon.

Zongo works as a conflict reporter with TruthNigeria and volunteers with Amnesty International. His reporting has covered violence and alleged human rights abuses in Plateau communities.

Premium Times contacted 3 Division spokesperson Victor Olukoya Victor, who said he was unaware of the development and asked the reporter to call back. The outlet said subsequent text messages received no response before publication. Daily Post also reported that its calls and messages to the spokesperson went unanswered.

Sources: Premium Times, Daily Post