The Nigeria Union of Journalists' leaders are requesting that Segun Olatunji, a journalist from Lagos and the editor of FirstNews, be released immediately and unconditionally. He was reportedly taken from his home in Lagos by armed men last Friday.
A statement on Tuesday, signed by the union’s Assistant National Secretary, Akorede Opeyemi, conveyed this demand.
Olatunji, a previous reporter for The PUNCH in Kaduna State, was taken from his home in Lagos by 10 armed men last Friday in the Iyana Odo area of Abule Egba, and there has been no information about where he is now.
Opeyemi, in the statement, referred to Olatunji’s kidnapping as another danger to press freedom.
The statement said, “The disappearance of Segun Olatunji, the editor of First News newspapers, is another unfortunate indication of the peril faced daily by journalists while doing their job.
“According to eyewitness reports, Olatunji was taken from his Lagos home last Friday in front of his family by 10 fully armed men, two of whom were wearing military uniforms.
“It is not clear which government agency was responsible for the journalist's arrest, but we believe press freedom and freedom of expression are essential aspects of the rule of law and democracy.
“For these reasons, the Nigerian government must act to safeguard press freedom and the freedom of movement for media professionals. Ensuring the safety and security of journalists is highly important.
“Actions like this are not acceptable and are efforts to scare journalists and push them to self-censor. The professional work of journalists is clearly in the public interest, and acts of impunity against them should not be tolerated.
He urged for the immediate and unconditional release of Olatunji, emphasizing that it is in the interest of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law.
“Olatunji should be released immediately and unconditionally in the interest of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law,” he concluded.
The family of the abducted journalist also appealed for his immediate and unconditional release in a Save Our Soul letter to President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday.
