Nigerian Government Urged To Take Immediate Action To Secure Release Of Kidnapped Journalists, Families

The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has expressed deep concern about the weekend abduction of two journalists based in Kaduna State, as well as their wives and children, and has urged the Federal Government, particularly its security and law enforcement agencies, to take immediate action to secure their safe release by its duty to ensure the safety of journalists and other media workers.

According to reports, on the night of Saturday, July 6, 2024, approximately 15 armed men invaded the Dahjonu community in Millennium City, in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and abducted Mr. Abdulgafar Alabelewe, a reporter with The Nation newspaper, and Mr. AbdulRaheem Abdu of Blueprint newspaper, along with their wives and children.

Mr. Ayode Longe, MRA’s Deputy Executive Director, said in a statement issued in Lagos on Monday that the kidnapping of the two journalists and their families is a heinous act that highlights the growing dangers faced by journalists in Nigeria and the urgent need for the Federal Government to fulfil its obligation to ensure the safety of journalists and other media workers.

“We strongly condemn the abduction and urge the Federal Government, as well as all relevant security and law enforcement agencies, to take all necessary steps to ensure the immediate and safe release of these journalists and their families. The government must also act quickly and decisively to prosecute the perpetrators of this heinous crime.”

He emphasised that journalists’ safety is critical to the preservation of media freedom and the protection of human rights and that journalists play an important role in informing the public, holding power accountable, and fostering a democratic society. He added that any attack on journalists is an attack on Nigerians’ collective right to information and freedom of expression.

Mr. Longe stated that, in addition to Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which makes the security of all Nigerians, including journalists, the primary purpose of government, the government is also required by various regional and international instruments to ensure the safety of journalists, to properly and adequately investigate any attack on journalists, and to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

He urged the government to reaffirm its commitment to journalist safety by taking concrete steps to protect media professionals from threats, violence, and other forms of attacks, such as ensuring that security agencies are adequately equipped and trained to respond to such incidents and that there is a clear and effective strategy in place to prevent future abductions and attacks on journalists.

Mr. Longe stated that MRA stands in solidarity with the families of Mr. Alabelewe and Mr. Abdu during what must be a difficult time for them, and he encouraged all Nigerians to join him in demanding the safe return of the journalists and their families.