The Nigerian Guild of Editors has expressed worry over the prevailing lawlessness and general state of insecurity in the country, especially in the South-East.
The guild also commended the efforts of the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, in infrastructure development and improving security in the state.
The body of editors, in a statement issued after its Standing Committee meeting in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, and signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, said government at all levels have the primary responsibility of securing lives and property, adding that the prevailing situation in some states was an abdication of that sacred responsibility.
“The Guild has observed that the insecurity in these areas has led to the needless loss of hundreds of innocent lives, and has adversely affected social activities, as well as the nation’s economy.
“We hope that the security summit, which has been initiated by the governors in the zone slated for Owerri, the Imo State capital, between Thursday, September 28, and Friday, September 29, expected to feature major stakeholders in the zone, will help to address the issues,” the statement added.
The editors, who were in Bayelsa State for three days, noted that Diri had in the past few years prioritised security and construction of roads to connect all the local government areas, including areas that were hitherto unreachable by road.
“The editors described the abduction and subsequent killing of a reporter with Voice of Nigeria in Zamfara State, Hamisu Danjibga, as frightening and tasked all security agencies to investigate the matter.
“The guild also expressed concern over the capturing of 33 persons, including 24 students of the Federal University, Gusau, recently,” the statement said.
“Though 16, including 14 students, were said to have been released as of Monday, we call on the Federal Government to spare no effort in ensuring the release of the remaining abducted persons and finding a lasting solution to such menace,” the statement said.
