Press Release
Missing Vanguard Reporter: IPC demands thorough investigations
For immediate release: October 18, 2021
The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeris is seriously concerned about the sudden disappearance of Vanguard Newspaper’s House of Representatives Reporter, Mr. Tordue Salem since last Wednesday.
Mr. Salem was reportedly last sighted within the premises of a Total Filling Station, opposite the FCT, Abuja Police headquarters on Wednesday evening.
The Editor of Vanguard newspaper, Mr. Eze Anaba confirmed that Mr. Salem was yet to be seen as at this morning, Monday October 18, 2021.
IPC’s Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, in a statement said that Salem’s disappearance is disconcerting and the search for him should be accorded high priority by the Police and other security agencies.
“In a country where the rights of journalists and media professionals are continuously violated, concerted efforts by relevant stakeholders are necessary to ensure that Mr. Salem returns to his family and beat safely, and that the safety of other journalists and media professionals is guaranteed”, he added.
IPC therefore appeals to the government and the security agencies to do all within their powers to locate Journalist Salem.
SGD:
Olutoyin Ayoade
Communications Officer, IPC
tayoade@ipcng.org
08114503887
NUJ URGES DECISIVE ACTION IN LOCATING “MISSING” JOURNALIST
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, has tasked security agencies in the nation’s capital, Abuja, to be decisive in locating Mr. Tordue Salem, a journalist.
Salem, who works with Vanguard Newspapers and covers the House of Reps, has not been seen, heard from or reached since Wednesday, October 13.
The Tiv native reportedly was sighted on the evening on the day he was last seen after which he seemed to have disappeared.
The NUJ FCT in a statement on Sunday tasked the police and DSS to unravel the mystery surrounding Mr. Salem’s whereabouts.
“For all us journalists in Abuja, we have been on edge these past few days over the mysterious disappearance of our colleague and friend, Mr. Tordue Salem.
“It is worrying that an adult will simply varnish into thin air without a trace. This is unacceptable and we urge the police and DSS to rise up to the occasion and provide answers to this troubling situation,” the statement signed by Emmanuel Ogbeche and Ochiaka Ugwu, chairman and secretary, respectively, read.
The NUJ officials called fellow journalists to remain hopeful, prayerful and offer any leads that could prove useful in resolving the impasse.
NUJ Zone D leadership express worry over “Missing” Journalist
The Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) Zone D, comprising North Central States has joined FCT Council of NUJ to urge security agencies at Abuja, to expidite action in locating Mr. Tordue Salem, a journalist who works with Vanguard Newspapers and covering the National Assembly. Salem has not been seen, heard from or reached since Wednesday, October 13.
The reporter who hail from Benue State, was sighted last on the evening on the day he was last seen.
The NUJ Vice President of the Zone, Comrade Chris Atsaka and the Zonal Secretary, Abdul Aji, in a statement urged the police, DSS and other security agents at FCT to unravel the mystery surrounding Mr. Salem’s whereabouts.
The NUJ North Central zonal leaders encouraged FCT journalists to remain hopeful, prayerful and offer any leads that could prove useful in resolving the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the journalist.
