AMDF condemns kidnap of Kaduna journalists, calls for their immediate release of victims

The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF), has expressed shock over the abduction of two journalists and their family members.

The group described the incident as “a grave threat to press freedom and the fundamental rights of journalists to operate without fear of violence or intimidation.”

A statement issued by AMDF Press Freedom Manager, Zhiroh Jatau on Tuesday, noted, “The heartbreaking report reaching us on the abduction of two journalists in Kaduna State, Nigeria, alongside their families, has left AMDF as well as colleagues in a state of shock. The families were kidnapped on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at their residence in Kaduna.

“The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) is deeply distressed and outraged by this heinous act, which represents a grave threat to press freedom and the fundamental rights of journalists to operate without fear of violence or intimidation.”

“We express our deepest solidarity with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna Council, the affected journalists, and their families during this extremely challenging time. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all kidnapped journalists. It is imperative that the authorities act swiftly and decisively to ensure their safe return and bring the perpetrators to justice,” she said.

“The security situation in Kaduna and Nigeria at large is of great concern and has inflicted fear amongst citizens. AMDF calls on all security agencies to intensify efforts to address this challenging situation. The Federal Government must be proactive in the fight against insurgency and banditry. The legislators should create bills and formulate laws for the hasty prosecution of those found guilty.”

Considering the deteriorating security in the country, the manager said the idea of state policing has become imperative for all stakeholders to revisit and review to meet the needs of individual states in the country.

“AMDF also encourages journalists not to be demoralized by the incident but to continue with their duties diligently,” the statement said.