NUJ FCT Urges Government To Tackle Insecurity and Protect Journalists
As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has called on the Federal Government to take urgent action on insecurity, press freedom, and the welfare of journalists.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, the union said the killing of Arise News anchor Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu highlighted the worsening security situation in the country.
It stressed that journalists, who risk their lives daily to uphold democracy, must not be left unprotected.
“We cannot celebrate independence while journalists are hunted or silenced and citizens live in fear,” the statement read.
The council demanded comprehensive reforms, including community policing, state policing options, and the installation of modern surveillance technology such as CCTV in major cities.
The NUJ FCT also urged government, civil society, and the private sector to collaborate in ensuring press freedom, improved working conditions, fair pay, and psychosocial support for media professionals exposed to trauma.
The statement described Maduagwu’s death as a “national disgrace,” insisting her memory must spark a renewed national commitment to protect journalists and address insecurity with urgency.
“Democracy dies in silence; and silence thrives when the press is unprotected,” the union warned.
