Attacks On Media Dangerous Dimension To Insurgency -Atiku

Former Vice-president Atiku Abubakar has expressed his condolences to the management and staff of Leaders and Company Limited, publishers of THISDAY newspaper over bomb explosions, which rocked its Abuja and Kaduna offices and led to the loss of lives.

Also, the former Vice President expressed his sympathy and solidarity with TheSun Newspapers, which Kaduna office was affected in the attacks in Kaduna, the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria and the Nigeria Union of Journalists over the dastardly act.

Atiku in a statement issued by his Media Office which building was also slightly damaged by the impact of the explosion, warned that “the attacks on media houses are a dangerous dimension to the insurgency in the country and government needs to be more creative in tackling the menace.”

Atiku, however, commended the prompt response of security agencies and emergency control departments in minimising the damage done by the attack.

“This is not the best of times for us as nation. The palpable fears from these random attacks require that the government should be more creative in solving this security challenge.

“It is also important that those behind these dastardly attacks show restraint, and explore other peaceful means of expressing their grievances,” Atiku said.

According to him, “a situation whereby newspaper houses become the target of deadly bomb attacks is not healthy for the social conscience of the society.”

Recalling that the media had confronted military dictatorships and have been in the vanguard of enthroning democracy in Nigeria, the former Vice President urged journalists, media practitioners and media owners not to be intimidated by this onslaught ostensibly aimed at suppressing free media.

“It is hoped and I am confident that the Nigerian media will not be deterred by this development, but rather continue to be a bastion of courage in the collective drive towards a safer Nigeria,” he said.

He prayed for strength and comfort to the families of all those who may have lost a dear one or was injured in the incidents.