Oct. 26, 2021

The National Human Rights Commission, has called on the Police and other security agencies in the nation’s capital to do everything possible to locate a missing journalist.

Tordue Salem, a Vanguard Newspaper’s House of Representatives Reporter reportedly went missing on Oct. 13 in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu made the call in a statement signed by Mrs Fatimah Mohammed, Deputy Director, Public Affairs in the Commission.

He expressed sadness over the news of the National Assembly Correspondent who has been missing for 15 days.

“There is no place for enforced disappearance in modern history”, he said

He described the act as one of the worst human rights violations which leave the victims, family members and the society traumatized.

“It is needless for the family members of the journalist to go searching for him in hospital mortuaries and police stations if the security situation and intelligence gathering was better.

“NHRC stands for press freedom and will continue to advocate for same.

“A free press is important because people are able to express themselves in a constructive manner such that the views and concerns of ordinary people are also heard,” Ojukwu said.

He added that journalists serve as the watchdogs of any society and should be allowed to do their work without harassment and intimidation.

Ojukwu noted that the role of a journalist is crucial in a democratic society like ours, and said Salem is a journalist who has passion for his work.

“He has painstakingly reported human rights issues as well as educated the masses on their rights since his days with the leadership newspaper.

“Enforced disappearance is one of the hazards associated with the practice of journalism in Nigeria” Ojukwu added.

He therefore called on the authorities to respect the rights of journalists.

He also urged the journalists to always work within the ambit of the law and ethics of the profession.

He assured the family members of the Commission’s support to ensure that Tordue Salem is found and reunited with them.