Group fumes over abduction of Kaduna journalists

From: Femi Oyelola Kaduna

The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF,) has expressed dismay over the sudden attack and abduction of Kaduna Journalists and their families, noting it as a threat to press freedom.
In a statement, signed and issued by the Press Freedom Manager (PFM,) of AMDF, Zhiroh Jatau, yesterday in Kaduna, he stated that the attack threatens the fundamental rights of journalists to operate without fear of violence or intimidation.
Mr Jatau opined that the security situation in Kaduna and Nigeria at large has become of great concern amongst Citizens, causing them to live in fear.
He stressed that “considering the deteriorating security in the country, the idea of State policing has become imperative for all stakeholders to revisit and review to meet the needs of individual states in the country.”
He therefore called on security agencies to intensify efforts in addressing the challenging situation, adding that the Federal Government must be proactive in the fight against insurgency and banditry.
The PFM also encouraged journalists not to be demoralized by the incident but to continue with their duties diligently while hoping and praying for the safe release of their colleagues.
“The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) is deeply distressed and outraged by this heinous act which represents a grave threat to press freedom and the fundamental rights of journalists to operate without fear of violence or intimidation.
“Journalists play an indispensable role in our society by informing the public, holding the powerful accountable, and contributing to the democratic process. The abduction of our colleagues is not just an attack on individuals but an assault on the entire journalism profession and the principles of freedom of expression.”