MRA, northern elders, youths demand release of abducted journalists, families

Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Northern Eders Forum and Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), yesterday, condemned last weekend’s abduction of two journalists along with their wives and children in Kaduna State.

They urged the Federal Government to see to their immediate and safe release in accordance with its duty to ensure the safety of journalists and other media workers.

According to reports, about 15 gunmen invaded the Dahjonu community in Millennium City, in the Chikun Local Council of Kaduna State in the night of Saturday, July 6, and abducted Abdulgafar Alabelewe, a reporter with The Nation newspaper and AbdulRaheem Abdu of Blueprint newspaper, along with their spouses and kids.
 
In a statement issued in Lagos, MRA’s Deputy Executive Director, Ayode Longe, 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.”
 
He added that the safety of journalists is vital to the preservation of media freedom and protection of human rights. Longe explained that journalists play a crucial role in informing the public, holding power to account, and fostering a democratic society.

NEF, in a statement by its Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, urged Nigerians “to join us in praying for the safe return of the captives.”
 
The group emphasised that the lives of the journalists and their families should never be endangered, calling on the government to take immediate and effective steps to secure their safe release. 

ON his part, President General of AYCF, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, in another statement, condemned the abductions and demanded the immediate release of the captives.
 
He called on relevant government authorities and security agencies to swing into serious action and ensure their safe return. Shettima also called on spirited individuals to intensify prayers for their safe release.

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