The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the police and other security agencies to do everything within their powers to locate a missing journalist.
Thelagostimes gathered that Tordue Salem, a Vanguard Newspaper’s House of Representatives Reporter reportedly went missing on October 13, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, called on the security agencies to find him in a statement by Fatimah Mohammed, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, at the commission.
Ojukwu expressed sadness over the news of the National Assembly correspondent, who has been missing for 15 days.
“There is no place for enforced disappearance in modern history,” he said, describing the act as one of the worst human rights violations, which leave the victims, family members and the society traumatized.
“It is needless for the family members of the journalist to go searching for him in hospital mortuaries and police stations if the security situation and intelligence gathering was better.
“NHRC stands for press freedom and will continue to advocate for same.
“A free press is important because people are able to express themselves in a constructive manner, such that the views and concerns of ordinary people are also heard,” Mr Ojukwu said.
He added that journalists serve as the watchdogs of any society and should be allowed to do their work without harassment and intimidation.
He further described Salem as a journalist with a passion for his work, while assuring the family members of the commission’s support to ensure that Tordue Salem is found and reunited with them.