International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has called on the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies, including the State Security Service (SSS), to launch an immediate investigation into the abduction and subsequent killing of Hamisu Danjibga, a Reporter of Voice of Nigeria (VON) in Zamfara State.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a press statement issued on Thursday, by its Legal Adviser, Mr. Tobi Soniyi, the IPI Nigeria, which described the circumstances surrounding the abduction and killing of the journalist as both shocking and deeply concerning, said the brazenness with which Danjibga was abducted and killed in a major city like Gusau is an indication of how unsafe Nigeria has become.
Danjibga was reportedly abducted in his house in Samaru Community in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, at about 8pm on Sunday evening.
According to his relations, the abductors called twenty-four hours after the incident and allegedly demanded one million naira as part payment before they place full ransom for his release.
Three days later, his lifeless body was discovered in a soakaway in the same community.
IPI Nigeria expressed deep concern over the circumstances surrounding this incident and called for a swift and thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
They also emphasised the need for increased security measures to protect journalists and citizens throughout Nigeria.
Hamisu Danjibga was one of the journalists reporting the activities of criminal elements, especially armed bandits, kidnappers and their collaborators. “We believe he was targeted because of his profession as a journalist”, IPI Nigeria said, adding that “Unless the perpetrators of this heinous crime are arrested and prosecuted, they are likely to become emboldened and will go after other journalists”.
IPI Nigeria reiterated its call for the protection of journalists and media professionals in Nigeria who play a crucial role in upholding good governance, democracy, freedom of expression, and whistleblowing in the country.
