By Wale Ishola
Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of the Journalists (NUJ) on Sunday, October 30, 2022, praised the efforts of the state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Williams, and other sister security agencies, including the non-state actors, towards rescuing victims kidnapped on Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Friday, October 28.
The state chairman, Ademola Babalola in a statement released by the Council’s Secretary, Sola Oladapo, admonished journalists to do away with sensational reports or profiling of the abductees in a way capable of further endangering their lives in the kidnappers’ den.
Babalola said reports from the search party comprising security agencies and other informal security personnel including the Amotekun Corps, Vigilantes, local hunters and others showed that the victims would regain their freedom as soon as possible because of their intense efforts so far.
“I am quite happy about the report that the state police commissioner had been in the bush with his men and are being supported by others to rescue the victims and get the kidnappers arrested.
“At a time like this, I share in the concern and anxiety of the families of the victims, especially the academic community and others, who are already traumatised by this sad development.
“Our nation needs help and I wish to call on the Federal Government to do more for our security agents and strengthen their capacities to be able to surmount problems of insecurity threatening the survival of our beloved country and its great people.
“It is also not out of place to call for foreign support because the current reality has shown that the Nigerian government is overwhelmed by the activities of these criminals terrorising people on a daily basis.
“Once again, I wish to appeal to those on the front line to continue the fight as great patriots of our land and ensure timely release of the victims in the captivity. I pray God reward their labour of love,” Oyo NUJ Chairman further admonished.
