NUJ also called on security agencies in the state to ensure they rescue the journalists and their families
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, has condemned the kidnapping of two of its members on Saturday.
This was contained in a joint statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday by the Council’s Chairman Asma’u Halilu and the Secretary, Gambo Sanga.
TheNiche had earlier reported that suspected bandits abducted two journalists reporting for The Nation and Blueprint Newspapers in Kaduna State.
The bandits according to the report, stormed Danhonu community in the Millennium City of Chikun local government area of the state and kidnapped many people late Saturday night.
The reporters – Alhaji AbdulGafar Alabelewe, who is the current chairman of the Correspondents Chapel of the NUJ, Kaduna State Council and AbdulRaheem Audu, were kidnapped alongside their wives and children.
Reacting to the development, NUJ Kaduna chapter called for the immediate rescue of the journalists and urged its members to be vigilant while carrying out their duties.
ALSO READ: Bandits kidnap Nation, Blueprint Newspapers’ journalists and their families in Kaduna
The statement read, “NUJ has received with shock, the brazen and barbaric attack by suspected kidnappers.
”The attack resulted in the abduction of the Kaduna State Correspondents of The Nation Newspaper and the BluePrint Newspaper, alongside their families last night at their residences in Danhono area, a Kaduna suburb, in Chikun LGA.
“We strongly condemn the ugly incident and appeal to the security agencies in the state to swing into action with a view to rescuing the journalists and their families from the kidnappers’ den.”
NUJ went on to express dismay over the unfortunate abduction of the innocent journalists alongside their wives and children.
It added, “We implore the government at all levels to intensify efforts towards guaranteeing the security of lives and property of the citizens at all times.
”The ugly phenomenon of kidnapping in Kaduna and environs is now resurfacing and must be checked to avert the experiences of the recent past.
“The Kaduna State Council of NUJ, however, enjoined all practicing journalists in the state to be vigilant in their daily activities while also praying for the safe return of their abducted colleagues and their families.”
