The National Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists notes with regret and sadness, the brutal murder of the Vanguard reporter, Late Tordue Henry Salem, who went missing in Abuja on October 13, 2021. It is a loss that is so painful to bear.

While we commend the Nigeria Police for discovering the body of the Late Tordue, whose death in such a manner clearly highlights and further exposes the dangers journalists encounter in carrying their work, we however urge the law enforcement agencies to go beyond just discovering the corpse by ensuring that all hanging questions are answered.

In specific terms, while details of the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the remains of the late journalist are still sketchy, we reiterate our call to the Police to move fast and fish out the culprits behind this dastardly act with a view to bringing them to book.

When journalists work in fear, the freedom of expression and freedom of the press suffer and democracy will be worse off.
It is therefore pertinent that deliberate efforts are made to ensure the safety and security of media professionals.

We sincerely express our heartfelt condolences to the family of the Late Tordue and pray God to console them and members of the journalism profession in Nigeria.

e-signed
Chris Isiguzo
National President