The Centre for Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ), Lagos-Nigeria, a chapter of International Press Center (IPC), a partner of the MFWA, has expressed dismay over the suspected gruesome killing of Hamisu Danjibga, a veteran radio reporter in Zamfara State.
The late journalist was found dead in a soak away pit in his house, Wednesday, September 20, 2023.
Before meeting the sad fate, Danjigba had worked with the Voice of Nigeria (VON) for several years. He spent over three decades as a reporter and was declared missing three days before his corpse was found.
A report published on Premium Times website stated that, “the discovery of his corpse was a result of an unpleasant odour observed by Islamiyah children in the evening of Wednesday who drew the attention of their teachers.”
“After breaking the soak away, the body was confirmed to be that of Danjibga by his family and some neighbours”, the report further revealed.
In a statement signed by Melody Akanjiyan, Press Freedom Officer of the IPC, Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, is quoted as describing the circumstances of Danjibga’s death as bizarre, considering that the family had raised an alarm that he was missing three days, before his corpse was eventually found in a soak away pit in his house.
“We urge security agencies to carry out immediate and thorough investigations to unravel the mystery surrounding his death. This will go a long way to bring succour to the family and colleagues that Hamisu Danjibga left behind”, Arogundade is further quoted as saying.
The Media Foundation for West Africa adds its voice to the call for an investigation and also joins the IPC to condole with the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased.