From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Abuja chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), FCT Council, has called on the Federal Government to provide adequate compensation for Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa and for victims of kidnapping across the country.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the Council’s monthly congress held at its secretariat in Utako, Abuja, at the weekend, the Council said the resolutions were reached after deliberations on national security, environmental protection, and welfare issues affecting residents of the FCT and Nigeria at large.
Expressing concern over recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, the Congress noted that many Nigerians have lost properties and continue to suffer physical, emotional and psychological trauma despite previous evacuation efforts by government.
It urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagement with Pretoria to secure compensation for affected citizens and facilitate the recovery of their properties. The Council also pledged to sustain media advocacy on the plight of victims.
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On domestic insecurity, NUJ condemned the persistent abduction of students, teachers and other civilians. It called for the establishment of a comprehensive compensation policy for kidnap victims, their families, and security personnel involved in rescue operations. The Council described the trend as a threat to national stability and to the safety of journalists covering conflict areas.
The Congress also raised environmental and social concerns within the FCT. It condemned the indiscriminate felling of mature trees across Abuja without replacement, describing the practice as unsustainable amid climate change. The Council therefore, urged the FCT Department of Parks and Recreation and the Development Control Department to enforce a policy of replacing every tree removed and to strengthen environmental safeguards.
It further expressed worry over the rising number of destitute persons and street beggars in the capital, and called on the FCT Social Development Secretariat to implement sustainable rehabilitation programmes.
In another resolution, NUJ equally condemned the harassment of residents by individuals claiming to be members of government task forces. Citing an incident witnessed by one of its members on the way to the congress, where men in the guise of task force operatives allegedly stopped a vehicle, ordered out a sick passenger and drove away with the car, the Council asked the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and security agencies to investigate and prosecute impersonators.
NUJ also referenced an attack on a journalist near the ECOWAS Secretariat in Asokoro while covering street beggars, saying the reporter was only able to leave after an official convoy arrived.
While reaffirming its commitment to promoting press freedom and advocating policies that advance national security, environmental sustainability, good governance and the welfare of Nigerians.
