As Nigeria clocks 65 years of independence, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has raised the alarm over worsening insecurity, the killing of journalists, and the lack of press freedom, declaring that “democracy dies in silence when the press is unprotected.”
Speaking through its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, the Council described the murder of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu as “a national disgrace” that should awaken government and security agencies to act with urgency.
“We cannot celebrate independence while journalists are hunted or silenced and citizens live in fear,” Ike stated.
The NUJ demanded comprehensive security reforms, including community policing, consideration of state police, and deployment of CCTV across Nigerian cities.
The union also insisted on better working conditions, fair remuneration, and psychosocial support for journalists exposed to trauma and danger.
“Journalists are not enemies of the state. They are the lifeblood of democracy, risking their lives daily to tell the truth,” the statement added.
The Council urged the Federal Government, FCT Minister, civil society, and the private sector to collaborate in defending press freedom and protecting lives.
On the symbolic day of independence, NUJ FCT said: “Sommie’s death must not be in vain. Let her memory ignite a renewed national commitment to confront insecurity with sincerity and urgency.”