The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has expressed concerns over the abduction of two journalists based in Kaduna State, along with their wives and children.
The MRA disclosed this in a statement signed by its Communications Officer, Idowu Adewale, on Monday.
The group called on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies, to take immediate action to secure their safe release.
THE WHISTLER reported how armed men in their numbers invaded the Dahjonu community in Millennium City, in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on July 6.
The assailants abducted a reporter with The Nation newspaper, Abdulgafar Alabelewe and a reporter with Blueprint newspaper, AbdulRaheem Abdu along with their wives and children.
The MRA while reacting to the weekend abduction of the media personnel, said the situation underscored the growing dangers faced by journalists and the urgent need for the federal government to fulfil its obligation to ensure the safety of journalists and other media workers.
“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.
“The government must also act swiftly and decisively to bring the perpetrators of this despicable crime to justice,” the statement said.
The group stressed that the safety of journalists is vital to the preservation of media freedom and the protection of human rights.
According to the MRA, journalists play a crucial role in informing the public, holding power to account, and fostering a democratic society, adding that any attack on them is an attack on the collective right of Nigerians to information and freedom of expression.
In pursuant to section 14(2)(b), the MRA said the government also has an obligation under various regional and international instruments to which Nigeria is a party to ensure the safety of journalists, to properly and adequately investigate any attack against journalists and to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The statement further quoted the MRA’s Deputy Executive Director, Ayode Longe, urging the government to reaffirm its commitment to the safety of journalists by taking concrete steps to protect media professionals from threats, violence and other forms of attacks.
Longe asked the government to ensure that security agencies are adequately equipped and trained to respond to such incidents and that there is a clear and effective strategy for preventing future abductions and attacks on journalists.
Longe noted that the MRA stands in solidarity with the families of the abducted in what must be a challenging time for them, and called on all Nigerians to join it in demanding the safe return of the journalists and their families.