The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone A has extended its heartfelt commiseration to the Kaduna State Council of the union and all journalists within the zone, following the recent abduction of two journalists by bandits.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Zone A Secretary of the Union, Comrade Abduralzak Bello Kaura and made available to newsmen in Gusau.
The statement noted that the abducted journalists are correspondents from The Nation Newspaper and Blueprint Newspaper, who were taken from their residences, alongside members of their families, in the Danhono area of Kaduna metropolis.
The statement added, “Note that journalists play a crucial role in reporting on the happenings around their areas of coverage, without bias or involvement in political or group conflicts.
“These journalists are innocent and not affiliated with any rival groups. Therefore, we urge the government and security agencies to ensure their timely and safe rescue, along with their families.
“While we recognize and appreciate the ongoing efforts by security agencies to restore peace in the region, we implore them to prioritize the rescue of our colleagues as a matter of responsibility”
“The abduction of journalists is not only a grave injustice to the individuals and their families but also a threat to the freedom of the press and the safety of journalists nationwide”
“The Vice President of NUJ Zone A, Malam Muhammad Tukur Umar, has directed me to express our deepest sympathy to the NUJ Kaduna Council, its members, and all journalists across Nigeria over this regrettable event.
“We urge all journalists in our zone to remain calm as the NUJ leadership at the National, Zonal, and State Council levels are actively working in synergy with security agencies and other concerned authorities to ensure the safe rescue of the journalists.”