The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the federal government to change its present efforts to tame the ever-increasing insecurity bedeviling the country, saying the present approach has failed.
The NUJ, in a press statement signed by Achike Chude, National Secretary, condemned the abduction of two journalists and their families in Kaduna, noting that the spate of insecurity in the country has continued to threaten the safety of journalists.
Acknowledging the numerous challenges impeding the efforts of various security agencies across the country, the union called on all authorities to ensure timely and safe return of the abducted journalists and their family members.
“This latest act of perfidy which led to the abductions of two Journalists and members of their families in Kaduna state over the weekend have once more highlighted the general state of insecurity in the land and the continuing threat to the safety of journalists in the country”.
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“While acknowledging the enormous challenges faced by the country’s security apparatuses in their various theaters of security-related engagements, we nevertheless call on the authorities, especially the security agencies to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of the kidnappers and to ensure the safe recovery of the victims”, read the statement in part.
Decrying the incessant attacks and cases of security breaches across the country, the NUJ called for a multi-facet approach that involves all stakeholders in the task of ensuring safety and well-being of the citizens.
The Union bemoaned at the current approach adopted by the government in handling insecurity across the country, emphasizing that security and well being of all citizens is the basis for progress and development.
“The continuing epidemic of violence and death in our country must be brought to an end. The consequences have been devastating and have taken a huge toll on human lives and social infrastructure in many parts of the country.
“It appears that the best intent and approach by the federal government to reign in this hydra-headed monster is simply not working. A new approach is needed and must involve all the federating units in our country as well as our local governments. Ensuring the safety and well-being of the nation-state is the basis for progress and development”, it added.
WikkiTimes had earlier reported that Abdulgafar Alabelewe of the Nation Newspaper who also serves as chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUj, Kaduna State Council, and AbdulRaheem Abdu, a journalist with Blueprint newspaper were abducted and their family members in Kaduna over the weekend.
