The Zamfara State council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ), has expressed deep concern over the rising rate of Internally Displaced persons (IDPs) caused by security challenges in the State.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its Congress held at the press centre on Saturday and Chaired by Ibrahim Musa Maizare.
The union urged the State government to either establish IDP camps or provide adequate security to the residents, especially in the rural areas that are the most hit by banditry activities.
The Congress also expressed dismay over the prolonged closure of many schools in the state due to insecurity reasons which it noted constitutes a great danger to the educational development of the State.
It called on the State government to urgently reopen the schools to allow pupils to return back to schools, saying that it would reduce the rate of young ones roaming the streets, begging for arms.
It also commended the State wing of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the ongoing distribution of Permanent Voters Cards, urging eligible voters to ensure that they collect their cards to enable them participate in the 2023 general elections.
The Congress, however, commended members of the union for their endurance and commitment to duty and urged them to maintain the tempo.
It advised Journalists to be objective in their reportage especially before, during and after the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
The Congress also enjoined journalists in the state to be security conscious in the course of carrying out their professional duties, particularly during coverage of elections.
The State NUJ further commended the APC-led State Government for banning the carrying of weapons and other forms of thuggery during campaigns and called on other political parties to do the same.
