A prominent advocacy media group, Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals, has issued a clarion call to the Nigerian government to strengthen the nation’s security architecture, citing the recent kidnapping of Professor Herbert Batta, a renowned Communication scholar from the University of Uyo.
In a press statement signed by Elder Edet Okpo, Chairman of the group, they expressed disappointment and sadness over the unfortunate incident, which occurred on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
According to the statement, Professor Batta was on his way back from an academic engagement in Owerri, Imo State when the sad event took place.
The group noted that “citizen’s freedom of movement, as granted by the Constitution, are denied, especially owing to factors traceable to poor security architecture of the country.”
They lamented the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, where commuters and travelers live in constant fear, and many being kidnapped from their homes and offices.
The group welcomed the swift intervention of the Nigerian Police, which led to Professor Batta’s release in the early hours of Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
However, they emphasized that the government must go beyond rhetoric and belated apologies to finding sustainable solutions to the menace of kidnapping.
The statement read, “Government at all levels must go beyond rhetoric, belated apologies, and sensational commentaries to finding sustainable solutions to the prevalent menace of kidnapping in the country.”
They demanded that the authorities take their responsibilities more seriously to edify Nigeria’s democracy, which fundamentally anchors on freedom.
