Dr. Gabriel Suswam, the former governor of Benue State, requested various security agencies to increase the efforts of finding missing journalist Salem Tordue.
Tordue is a native of Benue State and House of Representatives correspondent for Vanguard newspaper. He went missing on October 13, 2021, around 8:05 pm, after being dropped off by his colleagues in Area 11, Abuja.
Although some believe that his disappearance could be abduction for ransom, no form of communication has been made by his abductors. A source assumed it might be a setup as the missing journalist was also attacked by unidentified gunmen two months ago at his residence.
“Tordue worked for a particular candidate in the last Benue State Governorship election,” the source said.
Tordue’s 2019 involvement might have gained him some enemies as he attempted to protect the interest of his principal. He has since been lying low with his inlaw who is a 2023 Benue Governorship candidate before his disappearance.
“It is worrisome and of great concern that Mr. Salem Tordue is still missing and no one could get a clue of his whereabouts, after 22 days,” said Suswam on Friday.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Civil Society Organizations, and many analysts consider the country’s security operatives to show stagnancy in rescuing Torque.
“This does not portray us as a nation that is security conscious, proactive, and responsive. I’m not saying the security agencies are not doing enough, but I also want them to intensify efforts. Let them do more,” Suswam added.
