Media houses must ensure that journalists sent to cover protests or conflicts henceforth are equipped with life vests and other protective head gear
Admin l Tuesday, July 23, 2019
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Nigeria Union Of Journalists,Lagos State Council has commiserated with the Channels TV and its management and the family of Precious Owolabi who was killed on Monday in Abuja while covering protest by Islamic Movement Of Nigeria, IMN.
“NUJ Lagos council is deeply sad that the late Precious Owolabi paid the supreme price to his fatherland and the Journalism profession”, NUJ said in a statement by its Chairman, Dr. Qasim Akinreti.
“The union condemned in strong terms assault and killing of Nigerian Journalist by any group and the inability of the state apparatus to protect Journalists on the line of duty. We appealed to the Nigerian state to have a critical look at threat to National Security by the IMN group and follow the path of rule of law on their demands as quickly as possible”, the NUJ said.
The NUJ warned those involved to do all it can to avoid another potential National Security threat that is capable of metamorphosing into terrorism activity.
The union noted with regret that similarly situation snow balled into the emergence of Boko Haram which has taken its toll on Nigeria and some west african countries.
“We pray for the repose of the soul of our late colleagues and pray for his family to bear the irreparable loss. We also condole with NYSC and it’s management over the loss of a young promising Nigerian on active service to the nation”, the NUJ said.
The NUJ Lagos State Council called on media organisations to ensure that journalists sent to cover protests or conflicts henceforth are equipped with life vests and other protective head gear, adding that this development once again brings to fore the safety of Nigerian Journalists.
NUJ recalled that years back Channelsv lost another young and promising Reporter in similar circumstances in Kano
