The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has condemned the abduction of a Lagos based journalist and editor of FirstNews, Segun Olatunji, suspected by gunmen in military uniform.
Mr Olatunji, a veteran journalist, was reportedly whisked away on Friday by ten armed men from his Lagos home, which till date has not been found, causing panic about his health condition and whereabouts.
Issuing a statement on Tuesday, the Assistant National Secretary of the NUJ, Rauph Opeyemi, described Mr 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 on a daily basis 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 of opinion remain defining elements of the rule of law and democracy.
“For this reason, it is important for the Nigerian government to work to protect freedom of the press and freedom of movement for media professionals. The safety and security of journalists are very important.
“Actions like this are clearly 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.”
