CITIZENS COMPASS – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has called for the release of an abducted editor, Segun Olatunji.
The Union expressed worries about the abduction calling on Nigerians to rally roumd and fish out the editor of First News newspapers who was last seen on Friday, March 15, 2024.
The Union expressed this in a statement signed by the Assistant National Secretary of the Union, Akorede Rauph Opeyemi, on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, which reads, “The disappearance of SegunOlatunji, the editor of First News newspapers is another sad reminder of the danger being faced on a daily basis by Journalists in the line of duty.
“Eye witness reports had it that Olatunji was taken away last Friday in his Lagos home in the presence of his family by ten fully armed men, two of whom were dressed in military uniform .
“Although it is not clear which agency of Government was responsible for the arrest of the Journalist, we believe that freedom of the press and of opinion remain defining elements of the rule of law and democracy. For this reason, it is important for the Nigerian government to work to protect freedom of the press and freedom of movement for media professionals. Safety and Security of Journalists is very important.
“Actions like this are clearly unacceptable and are attempts to intimidate journalists and force them into self-censorship. The professional work by Journalists is clearly in the public interest, and acts of impunity against them should not be condoned.
“Olatunji should be released immediately and unconditionally in the interest of democracy, good governance and the rule of law. “
