NUJ condemns continued detention of Daily Trust editor in Borno

The Nigerian Union of Journalist,s NUJ, Borno chapter, has condemned the continuous detention of the Regional Editor, Daily Trust Newspapers following his arrest on Sunday, when soldiers stormed the regional office over an editorial issue.

A statement by the NUJ Borno state council, which was signed by the Secretary of the council, Ibrahim Mohammed said, having exhausted all diplomatic avenues to secure the release of Daily Trust Newspaper Bureau Chief, Uthman Abubakar, it strongly condemns his continued detention by the military.

The statement said, NUJ is deeply saddened by the military’s arrest of two of its members and staff of Daily Trust Newspaper, Uthman Abubakar and Ibrahim Sawab (released Monday 7/1/19) in Maiduguri on Sunday 6th January 2019 following a publication on military operation.

“The Union strongly believes that the country’s Armed forces is far greater in capacity, equipment and experience than the Boko Haram insurgents hence all of us have no fear that the forces can defeat the insurgents on any front and that has been the guiding reason for reporting military operations.

“NUJ believes the report of Daily Trust of Sunday 6/1/19 was misinterpreted by our gallant military which was only promoting a show of force and not contrary.

“We implore the concerned authority to see good in polishing justice with understanding and release the Bureau Chief, Uthman Abubakar still in custody.

“He is not well to undergo such detention and the Presidency through SSA to The President on Media Garba Shehu has ordered his release which has not been effected.

“The pen profession and Armed forces have enjoyed a long cordial relationship before and during the Boko Haram insurgency which has lasted almost ten years now.

“Let us all not give in to the antiques of the insurgents who will be happy with this negative trend and remain united to fully overcome the elements of terror.