National Leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists has demanded for the immediate release of the Editor of First News Newspaper Segun Olatunji who was kidnapped four days ago at his Lagos residence by 10 armed men in military uniform.
In a media release on Tuesday signed by the Assistant National Secretary of the union, Akorede Opeyemi, the union described Olatunji’s abduction as one of the threats journalist encounter on a daily basis.
The media release reads in part: “The disappearance of Segun Olatrunji, the editor Of First News newspaper is another sad reminder of the danger being faced daily by journalists in the line of duty.
“Eyewitness reports had it that Olatunji was taken away last Friday in his Lagos home in the presence of his family by 10 fully armed men, two 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 opinion remain defining elements of the rule of law and democracy.
“For this reason, the Nigerian government needs to work to protect freedom of the press and freedom of movement for media professionals. Safety and security of journalists are very important.
“Actions like this are unacceptable and are attempts to intimidate journalists and force them into self-censorship. The professional work of journalists is clearly in the public interest, and acts of impunity against them should not be condoned.”
The union also stated that the call to release of the Nigerian journalist is tilted towards the interest of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law.
“Olatunji should be released and unconditionally in the interest of democracy, good governance and the rule of law,” he stated.”
Meanwhile the family of the kidnapped journalist has forwarded a Save Our Soul letter to President Ahmed Tinubu demanding for his intervention in the matter at hand.
