The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zamfara State Council, has called on security agencies in the state to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Hamisu Danjibga, a Union member and correspondent for the Voice of Nigeria (VON).

Danjibga, a veteran journalist, was reported missing by his family from his residence in Gusau, the state capital. He was allegedly abducted by suspected kidnappers, and his body was discovered three days later in a septic tank by students of an Islamiyya school, who were drawn by an unpleasant odor coming from the backyard of his residence.

The NUJ Zamfara State Council expressed deep regret over the tragic death of Hamisu Danjibga. “The discovery of his corpse was a result of an unpleasant odor observed by Islamiyya children on the evening of Wednesday, September 20, 2023, which drew the attention of their teachers,” the council stated. “After breaking open the septic tank, the body of the slain journalist was confirmed to be that of the late Danjibga by his family and neighbors.”

Funeral rites have since been conducted according to Islamic injunctions. The Union extended its heartfelt condolences to Danjibga’s family, the Voice of Nigeria, and the entire citizens of Zamfara State.

The council, while expressing deep concern over the nature of Danjibga’s demise, appealed to security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice. Danjibga is the first journalist to have been killed in Zamfara since the onset of banditry and kidnapping for ransom in the northwest region, which has further destabilized the already volatile state.