A media advocacy group, Media Rights Agenda (MRA), on Tuesday, demanded the release of two Kaduna-based journalists kidnapped along with their wives and children last Saturday night.
MRA expressed deep concern over the abduction, urging the Federal Government, particularly security and law enforcement agencies, to take immediate action to secure their safe release.
The group emphasized that it’s the duty of the government and security agencies to ensure the safety of journalists and other media workers.
Recall that about 15 armed men invaded the Dahjonu community in Millennium City, in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on the night of Saturday, July 6, 2024, and abducted Mr. Abdulgafar Alabelewe, a reporter with The Nation newspaper, and Mr. AbdulRaheem Abdu of Blueprint newspaper, along with their wives and children.
MRA’s Deputy Executive Director, Ayode Longe, in a statement in Lagos said, “The kidnap of the two journalists and their families is a heinous act that underscores the growing dangers faced by journalists in Nigeria and the urgent need for the Federal Government to fulfill its obligation to ensure the safety of journalists and other media workers. We unequivocally condemn the abduction and call on the federal government, as well as all relevant security and law enforcement agencies, to take all necessary measures to secure the immediate and safe release of these journalists and their families. The government must also act swiftly and decisively to bring the perpetrators of this despicable crime to justice.”
MRA stressed that the safety of journalists is essential in order to preserve media freedom and protect human rights.
“Journalists play a crucial role in informing the public, holding power to account, and fostering a democratic society”, he added, noting that any attack on them is an attack on the collective right of Nigerians to information and freedom of expression,” it added.
The statement noted that according to Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, the security of all Nigerians, including journalists, is the primary purpose of government.
It further stated that the government has obligations under various regional and international instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory, to ensure the safety of journalists, thoroughly investigate any attacks against them, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
MRA urged the government to reaffirm its commitment to the safety of journalists by taking concrete steps to protect media professionals from threats, violence, and other forms of attacks.
This, the group said, includes ensuring that security agencies are adequately equipped and trained to respond to such incidents and implement a clear and effective strategy for preventing future abductions and attacks on journalists.
The statement also expressed MRA’s solidarity with the families of Mr. Alabelewe and Mr. Abdu during this incredibly difficult time, urging all Nigerians to join in demanding the safe return of the journalists and their families.
