Our reporter
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has issued a fervent appeal for the immediate rescue of two journalists and their families who were kidnapped in Kaduna State over the weekend.
This call was made in a statement signed by the NUJ’s National Secretary, Achike Chude, and disseminated to Uptown Press by the Edo NUJ Council Chairman, Festus Alenkhe.
The NUJ’s statement condemns in the strongest terms the ongoing violence and kidnappings plaguing various parts of Nigeria.
The abduction of Abdulgafar Alabelewe, a journalist with The Nation Newspaper and Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ Kaduna State Council, along with AbdulRaheem Abdu, a journalist with Blueprint Newspaper, underscores the severe insecurity in the country and the increasing dangers faced by journalists.
“While acknowledging the enormous challenges faced by the country’s security apparatuses in their various theaters of security-related engagements, we nevertheless call on the authorities, especially the security agencies, to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of the kidnappers and to ensure the safe recovery of the victims,” the statement read.
The NUJ emphasized the devastating impact of the ongoing violence, noting that it has resulted in significant loss of lives and damage to social infrastructure.
The union criticized the federal government’s current strategies to address the security crisis, calling for a new, comprehensive approach that involves all levels of government.
“It appears that the best intent and approach by the federal government to reign in this hydra-headed monster is simply not working. A new approach is needed and must involve all the federating units in our country as well as our local governments. Ensuring the safety and well-being of the nation-state is the basis for progress and development,” the statement continued.
The NUJ expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and the Kaduna State Council of the union, offering prayers for the safe return of the kidnapped individuals.
The union reiterated its commitment to supporting its members during these challenging times.
As the nation grapples with the persistent threat of violence and insecurity, the call from the NUJ highlights the urgent need for effective measures to protect citizens, particularly those in the journalism profession who are increasingly at risk.
