Segun Olatunji, the editor of FirstNews, an online news platform, has been abducted by gunmen suspected to be soldiers, raising concerns about press freedom and journalistic integrity.
The incident occurred last Friday when armed men, numbering ten and dressed in military uniform, stormed Olatunji’s residence in Iyana Odo, Abule Egba area of Lagos. His wife, Abiodun Olatunji, recounted the harrowing ordeal, stating that the gunmen arrived shortly after 6 pm and forcefully took her husband away without disclosing their destination.
The management of FirstNews released a statement on Saturday, linking Olatunji’s abduction to a recent story published by the news organization. Despite their efforts, there has been no word on Olatunji’s whereabouts three days after the incident.
Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Publisher of FirstNews, expressed concern over the lack of communication from the military or security agencies regarding Olatunji’s arrest. Attempts to reach Olatunji via phone have been unsuccessful, heightening fears for his safety.
While the management refrained from directly attributing the abduction to a publication on the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, they raised questions about the timing of the incident.
In a statement issued on Monday, FirstNews reiterated its commitment to journalistic integrity and ethical reporting, calling for immediate clarity on Olatunji’s whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding his arrest. They emphasized the importance of upholding press freedom and demanding accountability from authorities.
The media platform urged the military high command and security agencies to address concerns regarding national security through formal channels of communication, rather than resorting to alarming and arbitrary methods.
Despite facing adversity, FirstNews affirmed its dedication to factual, authentic, and credible reporting, vowing to continue the pursuit of truth in the face of challenges.
