FirstNews: Our editor’s whereabouts unknown three days after abduction

FirstNews, an online news platform, says there has been no response from security agencies, three days after Segun Olatunji, its editor, was “abducted”.

Olatunji, a former Kaduna bureau chief of The PUNCH, was reportedly abducted from his home in Iyana Odo, Abule Egba area of Lagos, by gunmen on Friday.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the management of the media platform linked the incident to a recent story published by FirstNews.

His wife, Abiodun Olatunji, said the armed men numbering ten arrived at their residence a few minutes after 6 pm and whisked him away, without disclosing where the journalist was being taken to.

“Some armed men dressed in military uniform totaling ten in number (two in uniform and the remaining 8 in mufti but all armed) arrived at our residence at Dauda Oriyomi street, Iyana Odo along Joke Ayo in Abule Egba area of Lagos State and took away my husband,” Abiodun Olatunji was quoted as saying.

In a statement on Monday, the management of the media platform said three days have passed since the abduction, and that despite spirited efforts, there has been no word on Olatunji’s whereabouts.

“There has been no response from the military or any of the security agencies regarding their awareness or involvement in his arrest,” the statement reads.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Publisher of FirstNews, said despite attempts to contact him, Olatunji’s phone remains switched off, and neither his family nor the management of FirstNews has received any communication regarding the reason for his abduction.

“In light of these events, FirstNews reiterates its commitment to journalistic integrity and ethical reporting. As a reputable independent digital news network, we uphold the highest standards of professionalism and accountability,” the statement reads.

“Our dedication to factual, authentic, and credible reporting remains unwavering, even in the face of adversity.

“We urge the military high command and security agencies to provide immediate clarity on Olatunji’s whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding his arrest.

“If there are concerns regarding national security, formal channels of communication should have been pursued, rather than resorting to arbitrary and alarming methods reminiscent of repressive regimes.”

FirstNews said while it cannot link the abduction to a publication on the defence chief, the timing raises questions.

“FirstNews remains steadfast in demanding justice and accountability for our colleague. We stand united in our commitment to press freedom and the pursuit of truth, regardless of the challenges we face,” the statement reads.