From Abubakar Suleiman
In a shocking turn of events, Segun Olatunji, the Editor of FirstNews and former Kaduna Bureau Chief of The PUNCH, was abducted from his residence in the Iyana Odo area of Lagos State by gunmen believed to be soldiers.
The incident occurred on Friday evening, sending ripples of fear among the staff of FirstNews. Olatunji's wife, Abiodun Olatunji, recounted how armed men, numbering ten, stormed their home and forcefully took her husband away without providing any information about his whereabouts.
According to Mrs. Olatunji, the assailants seized her husband's phone and whisked him off in a van, leaving her in the dark about his fate. Despite her inquiries, the armed men remained tight-lipped about Olatunji's alleged offense or destination.
The management of FirstNews has linked Olatunji's abduction to two recent articles published by the online newspaper. One article, titled "Revealed: 'Defence Chief running office like family business - Public Interest Lawyers'," drew attention from several online platforms. Another report, "EXCLUSIVE: How contractor, company stole N100bn, laundered funds for top govt officials - Investigation," was later removed from the website.
Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the Publisher of FirstNews, expressed concern over Olatunji's disappearance and emphasized the need for transparency from the military high command and security agencies regarding the journalist's whereabouts and the reasons behind his abduction.
The management of FirstNews condemned the manner in which Olatunji was taken, calling for adherence to legal procedures and respect for press freedom. They emphasized their commitment to journalistic integrity and urged authorities to address the situation promptly.
This incident has reignited concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists in Nigeria, prompting calls for swift action to ensure Olatunji's safe return.
