The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has issued an urgent call for action to the Federal Government following the abduction of two journalists, their wives, and children in Kaduna State.
According to reports, about 15 armed men invaded the Dahjonu community in Millennium City, in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State in 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.
In a press release issued by MRA to condemn the incident, MRA’s Deputy Executive Director, Ayode Longe, expressed deep concern over the incident and urged the Federal Government and its security agencies to take immediate action.
“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,” Longe said.
Longe stressed that the government has a constitutional and international obligation to ensure the safety of journalists, investigate attacks, and bring perpetrators to justice. He cited Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution, which makes the security of all Nigerians, including journalists, the primary purpose of government.
MRA demands the immediate and safe release of the journalists and their families, urging the government to take concrete steps to protect media professionals from threats and attacks.
“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,” Longe said.
The organization stands in solidarity with the families of the abducted journalists and calls on all Nigerians to demand their safe return.