The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has issued a strong condemnation following reports of the recent kidnappings of journalists along with their family members, labelling the acts as heinous and unacceptable.
The NEF expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of kidnappings targeting members of the media, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive action to ensure the immediate rescue of all individuals currently held captive.
In a press statement shared with Africa Health Report online newspaper on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Publicity and Advocacy for NEF, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, NEF stated, “The continued targeted kidnappings of journalists, such as the harrowing abduction of Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe of The Nation Newspaper, his wife, two children, and Alhaji Abdulraheem Aodu of Blueprint Newspaper, are not only disheartening but also deeply worrisome.
This trend poses a significant threat to the safety of journalists and their families, and could potentially escalate into greater conflict and confusion if left unaddressed.”
The NEF emphasized that the lives of journalists and their families should never be endangered, calling on the government to take immediate and effective steps to secure their safe release.
This sentiment aligns with the concerns expressed by the Nigeria Union of Journalists and media professionals across the nation.
“The kidnapping of Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Alhaji Abdulraheem Aodu, and their family members is a shocking and unacceptable act that demands immediate action,” the statement read. “We urge the government to act swiftly to ensure their release, alive and unhurt.”
In addition to calling for government intervention, the NEF has extended its support to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, sharing in their anxiety and concerns over the safety of their colleagues.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the abducted journalists and their families during this distressing time,” said Suleiman.
“We urge all Nigerians to join us in praying for the safe return of the captives.”
“The Northern Elders Forum remains steadfast in its commitment to the protection of journalists and the freedom of the press, urging enhanced security measures to prevent such incidents in the future”, the statement concludes.
