The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has condemned the abduction of a Lagos-based journalist and editor of FirstNews, Segun Olatunji by suspected soldiers.
Olatunji, a veteran journalist was whisked away last Friday by ten armed men from his Lagos home and to date has not been found, causing panic about his health condition and whereabouts.
Assistant National Secretary of the NUJ, Akorede Rauph Opeyemi in a statement on Tuesday, described Olatunji’s abduction as another threat to freedom of the press.
The statement read “The disappearance of Segun Olatunji, the editor of First News newspapers is another sad reminder of the danger being faced daily by Journalists in the line of duty.
“Eye witness reports had it that Olatunji was taken away last Friday in his Lagos home in the presence of his family by ten fully armed men, two of whom were 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 is 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.
“Olatunji should be released immediately and unconditionally in the interest of democracy, good governance and the rule of law.”
The family of the abducted journalist had in a Save Our Soul (SOS) letter to President Bola Tinubu, also demanded his immediate and unconditional release.