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Editors Condemn Increasing Spate of Journalists’ Abduction
· Say Cyber Crimes Act not enacted to persecute journalists
· Urge government to step up fight against terrorists, bandits
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has condemned the increasing sequence of abduction and arrest of journalists in the country by security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, under the guise of enforcing the Cyber Security Act, and warned of the consequence of such illegal actions on press freedom.
The professional body of media executives and senior editors also warned of the dangers of allowing certain territories of the Nigerian states falling into the hands of terrorists and bandits, and expressed optimism that the federal government has all it takes to flush out these enemies of the country, and guarantee peace and security of the country and its people.
The Guild stated these in a press statement issued and signed by its President, Mr Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, at the end of its Standing Committee meeting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, weekend.
According to the Guild, ‘’The meeting deliberated on the state of the media with emphasis on the increasing spate of abduction and arrest of journalists in the country – under the guise of enforcing the Cyber Security Act, and warned of the implications of such illegal actions on press freedom.
‘’The professional body of media executives and editors while warning the security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police, against press freedom violation, called for a proper understanding and intention of the Cyber Security Act, declaring that the law was enacted as a legal framework for combating cybercrimes and not for persecuting journalists, who are performing their legitimate duties in a democracy.’’
The editors particularly condemned the method of abduction/arrest of journalists, the long detention and inhuman treatment they are subjected to, and said it was a negation of a democratic space.
‘’Press freedom is the ability of the media to report news and express opinion without government interference, censorship, or retribution. It is a fundamental human right essential for a healthy democracy, allowing citizens to access accurate information, hold leaders accountable, and participate in informed public discourse’’, the editors added.
The NGE noted the harsh economic ecosystem under which the media currently operates in Nigeria, and called on the federal government to ensure the sustainability of the media industry through robust economic policies and direct interventions that are capable of enhancing its capacity to transcend existing challenges.
Commenting on the state of the nation, the Guild congratulated the government on its one year in office and advised it to step up its fight against insecurity in certain parts of the country in order to flush out terrorists and insurgents, who have continued to perpetrate mayhem in some communities.
The NGE also decried the current high cost of living – exacerbated by the harsh economic policies and programmes of the federal government, and called for sustainable interventions to mitigate the several biting effects of the policies.
The Guild expressed its appreciation to the Rivers State Government for providing a conducive environment for the meeting and hoped that the current peace-initiative by the government will be sustained in the general interest of the people and development.
The Nigerian government has suspended the planned 15 per cent import duty on premium motor spirit (PMS) and automotive gas oil (diesel). The announcement was made by George Ene-Ita, spokesperson for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in a statement on Thursday.
The regulator urged Nigerians to avoid panic buying, assuring that there is adequate supply of petroleum products nationwide.
“It should also be noted that the implementation of the 15 percent ad valorem import duty on imported premium motor spirit and diesel is no longer in view,” NMDPRA stated.
The statement added that both domestic and imported supplies of petrol, diesel, and other petroleum products are sufficient to meet demand, especially during the peak period. The authority warned against hoarding, panic buying, or unwarranted price increases, and affirmed that it would continue to monitor supply and distribution closely.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the 15 per cent import duty last month to encourage the use of products from Dangote Refinery. While some stakeholders supported the move as a boost for local refining, critics argued it could increase fuel prices and worsen economic hardship for Nigerians.
The Lagos State Government has cleared beggars and individuals deemed a public nuisance along the Ketu-Alapere corridor as part of its ongoing environmental sanitation and urban renewal efforts.
The operation was carried out by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) and confirmed by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement on his official X account on Wednesday.
“Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps today commenced a clearance operation at Ketu-Alapere, removing beggars and other individuals constituting nuisance along the road median,” Wahab said.
He noted that those apprehended would be properly profiled and handed over to relevant authorities for further action. A video released by the commissioner showed LAGESC officials evacuating individuals from the busy corridor, a major link between Lagos Mainland and key transport routes to the Island.
Wahab emphasized that the exercise is part of broader efforts to improve public order, ensure free traffic movement, and maintain the aesthetic appeal of public spaces across Lagos.
“Every part of Lagos must reflect the standard of a #CleanerLagos and a #GreaterLagos,” he added.
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), North East Operation Hadin Kai, have rescued 74 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from a suspected abduction attempt by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.
The incident occurred around 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday when the corps members — 36 males and 38 females — were stranded after their vehicles broke down near a known kidnapping hotspot.
According to military sources, a patrol team was swiftly deployed to the area after a CCTV monitoring system detected suspicious movement involving three buses.
“On reaching the location, troops found 74 corps members stranded after their vehicles developed mechanical faults. They were immediately rescued to prevent a likely abduction by terrorists operating in the area,” the report read.
The rescued corps members have been temporarily accommodated at the Buratai military base while arrangements are being made for their safe relocation.
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