MRA Calls For Release Of Abducted Journalists

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has expressed deep concern over the weekend’s abduction of two journalists based in Kaduna State.

They were abducted along with their wives and children.

The MRA called on the federal government, particularly its security and law enforcement agencies, to take immediate action to secure their safe release by its duty to ensure the safety of journalists and other media workers.

According to reports, about 15 armed men invaded the Dahjonu community in Millennium City, in the Chikun local government area of Kaduna State in the night of Saturday, July 6, 2024, and abducted Mr. Abdulgafar Alabelewe, a reporter with The Nation Newspapers and Mr. AbdulRaheem Abdu of Blueprint Newspaper, along with their wives and children.

In a statement issued in Lagos, MRA’s deputy executive Director, Mr. Ayode Longe, said: “The kidnap of the two journalists and their families is a heinous act that underscores the growing dangers faced by journalists in Nigeria 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.”

He stressed that the safety of journalists is vital to the preservation of media freedom and the protection of human rights, adding that 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.