By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter OnyekachukwuJalingo
The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, has urged security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the schoolchildren abducted in Kebbi State.
Speaking at the 2025 Media Summit in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, on Wednesday, Abdullahi described the abduction as a national tragedy and appealed to Nigerians to pray for the children’s safe return.
He called on federal and state governments to secure all schools nationwide by providing adequate, round-the-clock security to prevent further attacks.
Addressing the summit, he said the theme, “Rebuilding Trust: Media Integrity in the Age of Misinformation,” reflects a national urgency and the need to confront narratives that weaken confidence in journalism.
“In an era where anyone with a smartphone can reach millions within seconds, the burden on professional journalists has never been heavier, nor more sacred,” he said.
He stressed that accuracy must remain the heartbeat of journalism, and speed must never overshadow verification, urging newsrooms to revive fact-checking and embrace transparency in correcting errors.
Abdullahi noted that ethical standards are fundamental to media credibility, warning that public trust in the media is declining due to political interference, commercial pressure, ethical lapses, and unverified digital content.
He highlighted that the fight against misinformation cannot be won by the media alone, but requires collaboration with government, civil society, academia, technology platforms, and community leaders.
The NUJ president also called for the protection and support of journalists across the country, lamenting that many operate under threats and unsafe conditions, which undermines democracy.
“The NUJ remains committed to advocating for stronger protections, improved working conditions, and legal reforms that guarantee press freedom and the safety of media workers,” he said.
He commended the Taraba State Government for its cordial relationship with the media, noting that collaboration with government can advance national interests without compromising editorial independence.