*cautions media against sensational reports
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
The Oyo State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Sunday, lauded the State Police Commissioner, CP Adebowale Williams and other sister security agencies on their efforts at rescuing those kidnapped on Friday by gunmen on Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
Oyo NUJ in a statement by its Chairman, Comrade Ademola Babalola, signed by the State Secretary, Comrade Sola Oladapo made available to journalists in Ibadan, also cautioned against sensational reports or profiling of the abductees in a way that is capable of further endangering their lives in the kidnappers’ den.
The union stressed that reports from ” the search party comprising security agencies and other informal security personnel including the Amotekuns, Vigilantes, hunters and others showed that the victims would regain their freedom as soon as possible because of their intense efforts so far.”
” I am quite happy about the report that the State Police Commissioner, Adevowale Willaims had been in the bush with his gallant men and are being supported by others to free the victims and get the kidnappers arrested,” he said.
Comrade Babalola added, “At a time like this, I share in the grief of the families of the victims especially the academic community and others who are already traumatised by this sad development”.
“Our nation needs help and I wish to call on the Federal Government to do more for our security agents and strengthen their capacities to be able to surmount problems of insecurity threatening the survival of our beloved country and its great people” .
The Oyo NUJ Chairman stressed ” it is also not out of place to call for foreign supports because the current reality has shown that the Nigerian government is overwhelmed and already buoyed down by the activities of these criminals terrorising people on daily basis.
“Once again, I wish to appeal to those on the front line to continue the fight as great patriots of our land and ensure timely release of the victims in the captivity. I pray God rewards their labour of love,” Oyo NUJ Chairman further admonished.
