Nigerian journalist shot dead
A journalist with the Nasarawa State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benjamin Ekom, has been killed by unknown gunmen at his residence in Washo village, Nassarawa-Eggon Local Government Area of the state.
Penpushing reports that, the former treasurer of the union and member of the Federated Chapel of journalists, who retired as the information officer of Akun Development Area, was the immediate past National Secretary of Eggon Cultural and Development (ECDA) was gunned down on Monday night.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Salihu Alkali and Sunday John, on Tuesday in Lafia, the state capital urged security agencies to fish out the killers of the journalist.
Penpushing further reports that, the union emphasized need for the criminals to face the law; and also called for the support of members of the public in helping to unravel the mystery behind the incident, to expose criminal elements in their midst.
The union described the attack on innocent residents of the state by criminal elements as one too many, and called for drastic and proactive measures to be taken to protect lives and properties of residents in all parts of Nasarawa State.
Penpushing also reports that, the leadership of the union further however, commended the efforts of the federal and state governments towards tackling insecurity, but urged that more be done to ensure that the people were safe to go about their lawful activities without fear, and also to avoid an escalation of the situation.
“The entire journalists in the state also condole with the family and friends of the deceased, and pray God to forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest,’’ the union said in the statement.
