Atiku Criticizes Police Over Insecurity And Detention Of Journalists

Atiku Criticizes Police Over Insecurity And Detention Of Journalists....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over the rising cases of insecurity, kidnappings, and the arrests of journalists by the Nigeria Police. He criticized the government led by President Bola Tinubu for detaining journalists who have remained steadfast in their duty to hold the government accountable……… CONTINUE READING

Recently, protests erupted against the Nigeria Police for detaining a former editor of First News and a journalist from the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).

“In these perilous times, the courageous sentinels of truth, our journalists, stand as beacons of light, unwavering in their duty to hold power accountable. Yet, they find themselves besieged not only by the terror of abductors but also by a government that continues to assault their freedom through arrests and detention,” Atiku said in a statement on Sunday.

Atiku emphasized that the increasing incidents of bandits’ kidnappings highlight the federal government’s failure to protect its citizens.

He recounted the recent abduction of 78-year-old Mr. Takai Shamang, President and Founder of Gantys Aid for Widows, Orphans and Needy Foundation (GAWON) and former President General of the National Union of Electricity and Gas Workers. Additionally, Janet Galadima-Gimba, a customary court judge, was abducted and released, though her sons remain in captivity with a ransom demand of N150 million. In Katsina, 75-year-old Hauwa’u Adamu, mother of popular Hausa singer Dauda Kahutu Rarara, was kidnapped.

“These abductions are damning indictments of our leaders’ failure to secure the safety of citizens and an intolerable breach of press freedom,” Atiku stated. “This despicable act underscores the dire state of our nation’s security and the gross failure of our leaders to protect its citizens.”

Atiku urged security agencies to take decisive action to secure the release of kidnapped individuals and to prioritize intelligence gathering and sharing.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the abducted. I call upon the security agencies to act decisively and without delay to secure their release but to prioritize intelligence gathering and sharing,” he added.