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By INUSA NDAHI, MAIDUGURI
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ, Borno Council kicked Against Continued detention of a Daily Trust Bereau Chief North East, Mallam Uthman Abubakar for allegedly leaking a story on the a planned Military onslaught in Baga Town which is been occupied by Boko Haran terrorists.
Recalled that armed group of Military last Sunday invaded Daily Trust Regional Office in Maiduguri and arrested Abubakar and a Reporter, Ibrahim Sawab, but Sawab was later released, living Abubakar still in detention.
Although, the NUJ and Executive Members of various Chapels including Correspondents’ on Tuesday visited the office of the Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Benson Akinroluye towards resolving the issue, but the Theatre Commander categorically said, he do not have power to release Abubakar, until some grey issues were resolved at the National level.
However, the Secretary of NUJ in the state, Comdrade Mohammed Ibrahim issued a Press Statement after meeting with the Military authorities of the Theatre, which is also the place where Abubakar was detained.
The statement reads: “The NUJ, Borno Council having exhausted all diplomatic avenues to secure release of Daily Trust Newspaper Bureau Chief Uthman Abubakar strongly condemns his continued detention by the military.
“NUJ is deeply saddened by the military’s arrest of two of its members and staff of Daily Trust newpspaper Uthman Abubakar and Ibrahim Sawab (relased Monday 7/1/19) in Maiduguri on Sunday 6th January 2019 following a publication on miitary 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 (Abubakar) 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 and strongly rejected by all of us.
“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”. Ibrahim stated.