Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Tag: NUJ Kaduna

  • NUJ Members Raise Funds as Bandits Demand ₦500m Ransom for Abducted Journalist in Kaduna

    NUJ Members Raise Funds as Bandits Demand ₦500m Ransom for Abducted Journalist in Kaduna

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    Members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, have begun contributing funds following a ₦500 million ransom demand by bandits for the release of their abducted colleague, Malam Umar Usman Iyale, a retired photojournalist.Iyale, a former staff member of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), both in Kaduna, was abducted last week from his residence in Danhonu II, Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    According to NUJ sources, the kidnappers contacted Iyale from captivity and demanded ₦500 million as a condition for his release. The veteran journalist reportedly spoke at length with NUJ leaders via phone, appealing for financial assistance from colleagues and the public to meet the ransom demand.“

    These people are demanding ₦500 million for our release. Whatever you can contribute to help me, I will be grateful,” Iyale was quoted as saying during the call.Union officials disclosed that NUJ members have commenced individual monetary contributions, working alongside Iyale’s family in a desperate effort to raise the demanded sum. The development comes amid growing fears for his safety, following reports that another abductee in the same camp was allegedly killed after failing to complete a ransom payment, despite having already paid ₦30 million.

    Community residents said Iyale was kidnapped around 9:00 p.m. last Monday when armed men quietly invaded his residence. The attackers reportedly demanded money from him and, upon discovering he could not provide any, forcefully took him away to an unknown location.The abduction has heightened anxiety in Danhonu II, a community that has previously recorded similar incidents involving journalists and their families. Residents expressed fear over the recurring attacks and appealed to the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene.

    Concern has also been raised over Iyale’s health condition, as he was described by colleagues and neighbours as elderly and battling health challenges. Residents warned that his continued stay in captivity could pose serious risks to his wellbeing. Meanwhile, members of the NUJ, Iyale’s family, and concerned residents are appealing to individuals, corporate bodies, and humanitarian organisations to provide financial assistance to help secure his release. Efforts to mobilise support and engage relevant authorities are ongoing, as the union intensifies calls for improved security in the area and decisive action against the rising cases of kidnapping in Kaduna State.

  • Peace Journalism Key to National Transformation and Social Healing — Rev. Hayab

    Peace Journalism Key to National Transformation and Social Healing — Rev. Hayab

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    The Country Director of the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), Rev. Joseph John Hayab, has described Peace Journalism as the heartbeat of national transformation, capable of fostering reconciliation, dialogue, and social healing.

    Speaking at a one-day workshop on Peace Reporting for National Development organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, in partnership with GPFN and the Kaduna State Ministry of Information, Rev. Hayab emphasized that journalists have a moral responsibility to promote unity through their narratives.

    “Peace reportage is not about suppressing the truth; it is about presenting it with empathy, balance, and purpose—to heal, not to hurt,” he said.

    Citing global examples such as Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery and South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation process, Hayab urged Nigerian media houses to invest in peace journalism training and strengthen collaborations with peace-building organizations.

    “We are one family under God, and the stories we tell must unite us, not divide us,” he added.

    Delivering a presentation titled “Kaduna Peace Model: From Fear to Hope – The Role of the Media,” the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, outlined the devastating effects of insecurity between 2015 and 2023, during which the state recorded more than 4,800 deaths and thousands of kidnappings.

    He explained that the Kaduna Peace Model, developed in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), prioritizes dialogue, inclusion, and socio-economic renewal over confrontation.

    “You cannot bomb peace into existence; you must build it with trust,” Maiyaki stated, noting that over 500 kidnapped persons have been released through negotiations and community mediation efforts.

    Maiyaki also shared success stories of former bandits who have now become peace mediators, helping to sustain stability in affected communities. He called on journalists to focus on solution-driven stories that highlight peace-building efforts rather than fear-based narratives.

    In her goodwill message, the Chairperson of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Hajiya Maryam Suka, commended the organizers and reaffirmed the vital role of journalists in shaping public opinion.

    “As reporters, we influence perception—let’s choose to shape it toward unity and development,” she said, urging media practitioners to embrace conflict-sensitive reporting using the Kaduna Peace Model as a guide.

    The Guest Lecturer, Mrs. Fatimah Shuaibu, Head of the Department of Strategic Communication and Media Studies at Kaduna Polytechnic, presented a paper titled “Peace Building: Media as a Shield for National Growth.” She emphasized that Nigeria’s diversity should be viewed as a strength rather than a source of division.

    Mrs. Shuaibu cautioned against the dangers of misinformation and hate speech, particularly on social media, and called on journalists to verify facts, maintain ethical standards, and consciously promote peace and social cohesion.

    The workshop, attended by representatives of 30 media organizations, communication scholars, peace-building experts, and civil society representatives, ended with a renewed commitment to using the media as a tool for peace, unity, and national transformation.