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The National Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) has asked the Police to move fast and fish out the culprits behind the killing of Vanguard reporter, Tordue Salem.
In a statement signed by its National President, Chris Isiguzo, NUJ noted with regret and sadness, the “brutal murder” of Salem, who went missing in Abuja on October 13, 2021, describing it is a loss that is so painful to bear.
“While we commend the Nigeria Police for discovering the body of the Late Tordue, whose death in such a manner clearly highlights and further exposes the dangers journalists encounter in carrying their work, we however urge the law enforcement agencies to go beyond just discovering the corpse by ensuring that all hanging questions are answered.
“In specific terms, while details of the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the remains of the late journalist are still sketchy, we reiterate our call to the Police to move fast and fish out the culprits behind this dastardly act with a view to bringing them to book.
“When journalists work in fear, the freedom of expression and freedom of the press suffer and democracy will be worse off. It is therefore pertinent that deliberate efforts are made to ensure the safety and security of media professionals,” the statement said.
The NUJ National Leadership expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Tordue and pray God to console them and members of the journalism profession in Nigeria.