NPC Condemns Abduction of 2 Journalists, Families in Kaduna

The Nigerian Press Council (NPC) has criticised the kidnapping of two Kaduna-based journalists and their families.

Reacting to the incident, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah, said the Council was horrified at the recent kidnapping of Mr. Abdulraheem Aodu, a journalist working with the Blueprint newspapers, and Mr. Abdulgafar Alabelewe, a reporter with The Nation newspapers, together with their wives and children.

Dr. Ezughah expressed concern that these kidnappings are the latest in a string of attacks on journalists and media organisations in the past year, carried out by both government and non-governmental groups.

He urged relevant authorities to take action to stop the disturbing trend, emphasising that it could create a hostile environment for exercising the freedoms of the press and speech, which are fundamental to a democracy.

The Executive Secretary called on security and law enforcement agencies to prioritise the safe and swift return of the abducted journalists and their families. He also stressed the need to arrest the criminals and hold them accountable for their actions.

He urged anyone or any organisation with a grievance against the press to contact the Nigerian Press Council for redress. Stating that the NPC is the official body authorised to investigate both press misconduct and actions taken against the press.

Ezughah affirmed that it was also within the directive of the Council to review developments likely to stop the supply, through the press, of information of public interest and importance and advise on measures necessary to hinder or remedy such development.

“The Nigerian Press Council joins the families of the recently kidnapped victims in expressing their shared experience of this hardship," Dr. Ezughah stated.