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 as well as victims of kidnapping across the country.
The demand formed part of resolutions contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Council’s monthly Congress held at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat, Utako, Abuja, on Saturday. The communiqué was signed by members of the Drafting Committee Olakunle Awoniyi, Princess Halima Jubril and Naomi Sharang as well as the Secretary of Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle.
The Congress expressed concern over the recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, noting that many victims had lost valuable property and continued to suffer physical, emotional and psychological trauma despite previous evacuation efforts by the Federal Government.
It urged the Federal Government to strengthen diplomatic engagement with the South African Government to secure compensation for affected Nigerians and facilitate the recovery of their properties. The Council also pledged to sustain media advocacy on the plight of Nigerians impacted by xenophobic violence.
On the nation’s security situation, the Congress decried the persistent abduction of students, teachers and other innocent Nigerians, calling for the establishment of a comprehensive compensation policy for kidnap victims, their families and security personnel involved in rescue operations.
The Council also condemned the indiscriminate felling of mature trees across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) without replacement, describing the practice as environmentally unsustainable, especially in the face of climate change.
It called on the FCT Department of Parks and Recreation and the Development Control Department to ensure that every tree removed is replaced while strengthening environmental protection measures.
The Congress further expressed concern over the growing number of destitute persons and street beggars in Abuja, urging the FCT Social Development Secretariat to implement sustainable rehabilitation programmes to address the humanitarian challenge.
The communiqué also condemned the alleged harassment and intimidation of innocent residents by individuals claiming to be members of government task forces in the FCT.
According to the Council, one of its members witnessed an incident while heading to the Congress in which men claiming to be task force operatives intercepted a vehicle, ordered a sick passenger to disembark and drove away with the vehicle.
The NUJ called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and relevant security agencies to investigate the activities of such operatives, identify those legally authorised to carry out enforcement duties and prosecute anyone found impersonating government officials.
The Congress also raised concerns over the security implications of the increasing presence of street beggars and destitute persons in Abuja, recalling an incident in which one of its members was aggressively confronted while attempting to photograph a group of beggars near the ECOWAS Secretariat in Asokoro.
It said the journalist was only able to leave the area safely after the arrival of an official convoy.
The Council urged the FCT Minister and security agencies to take urgent steps to address the situation while ensuring that the rights and dignity of vulnerable persons are protected.
Reaffirming its commitment to the public, the NUJ FCT Council pledged to continue promoting press freedom and advocating policies that support national security, environmental sustainability, good governance and the welfare of Nigerians.
