By Milcah Tanimu
The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Kaduna journalists Abdulgafar Alabelewe of the Nation Newspapers and Abdulraheem Aodu of the Blueprint Newspapers. The two journalists, along with their wives and three children, were kidnapped from their homes at around 10:30 pm on Saturday, July 6. While Abdulraheem Aodu’s wife and one of Alabelewe’s sons were released a few hours later, the incident has raised concerns about the targeting of journalists and their families in Danhonu 2, a community that has endured numerous bandit attacks.
In a statement, AMDF’s Press Freedom Manager, Mrs. Zhiroh Jatau, described the abductions as heartbreaking and demoralizing, given the crucial role journalists play in society. “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,” Jatau stated.
She emphasized the indispensable role of journalists in informing the public, holding the powerful accountable, and contributing to the democratic process. The abduction, she said, is not only an attack on individuals but an assault on the entire journalism profession and the principles of freedom of expression.
Expressing solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna Council, the affected journalists, and their families, Jatau called for swift and decisive action from the authorities to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped journalists and bring the perpetrators to justice.
