(RSF/IFEX) – In a letter to the governor of the state of Bauchi (north-west Nigeria), Ahmadu Adamu Muazu, RSF expressed its concern about the threat of lynching made against an Agence France-Presse (AFP) correspondent, Aminu Abubakar. “We ask that you increase security measures for journalists, who are trying to do their job in the current […]
(RSF/IFEX) – In a letter to the governor of the state of Bauchi (north-west Nigeria), Ahmadu Adamu Muazu, RSF expressed its concern about the threat of lynching made against an Agence France-Presse (AFP) correspondent, Aminu Abubakar. “We ask that you increase security measures for journalists, who are trying to do their job in the current climate of inter-communitary violence. You are responsible for ensuring the security of media professionals who work in your country,” recalled RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard.
According to RSF’s information, on 4 July 2001, Abubakar, AFP correspondent in Kano (north of the country), came to Tafawa Balewa, in the state of Bauchi, where there were violent confrontations between Christians and Muslims. While he was interviewing people in the street, young Christians, members of the organisation “Youth of Zar”, which belongs to the Sayawa community, came and threatened to kill him, and also forced him to tear up his notebook. Threatened with lynching, Abubakar, who is Muslim, left the town under police escort.
On 31 March, Islamic rule was introduced in the state of Bauchi, angering the Christian community. Since the start of the fighting, dozens of people have been killed and many Muslims have left the city.
