The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has demanded the immediate release of Segun Olatunji, the “abducted” editor of FirstNews.
Gunmen reportedly abducted Olatunji from his home in Iyana Odo, Abule Egba, Lagos, on Friday.
His wife, Abiodun Olatunji, stated that ten armed men arrived at their home shortly after 6 p.m. and whisked him away, without disclosing where the journalist was taken.
Since his abduction, the journalist’s family has not received any communication from his kidnappers.
The media platform’s management linked the incident to a recent FirstNews story.
On Monday, Olatunji’s family sent an SOS letter to President Bola Tinubu, requesting that he “order the military to immediately release him”.
The press group described the incident as “another sad reminder of the danger being faced on a daily basis by journalists in the line of duty” in a statement signed by Akorede Opeyemi, NUJ assistant national secretary.
According to NUJ, the journalist’s kidnapping is “clearly unacceptable” and an attempt to “intimidate journalists and force them into self-censorship”.
The statement reads:
“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, 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 attempt to intimidate journalists and force them into self-censorship.
“The professional work by journalists is clearly in the public interest, and acts of impunity against them should not be condoned.”