The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to urgently embark on comprehensive security reforms to safeguard lives and democracy.
The NUJ made the demand in a statement by its chairman, Grace Ike, to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
Ike lamented the worsening insecurity in the country, noting that journalists remain hunted while citizens live in constant fear. She cited the recent brutal killing of Arise Television journalist, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, as a tragic example of the dangers faced by media professionals
“It is the constitutional duty of the government to protect lives and property. Yet, the senseless killing of our colleague tragically underscores the reality: insecurity remains a pressing crisis,” she said.
The NUJ FCT Council demanded immediate reforms that should include:
- Community policing and consideration of state policing.
- Deployment of modern surveillance technologies such as CCTV in Nigerian cities.
- Stronger protection for journalists, who “risk their lives daily to tell the truth, amplify the people’s voices, and hold leaders accountable.
According to Ike, Nigerians cannot truly celebrate independence when press freedom and citizens’ safety are under threat. She urged the government and security agencies to “act, not with words, but with results.
