A group, The Core Middle Belt Values, has called for the release of a journalist, Mr. Luka Biniyat, said to be detained by the governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai.
In a statement it issued, the group said Biniyat was detained by the governor for expressing his views on the happenings in Kaduna State.
“He has been in detention for more than 50 days now,” the group said.
While describing the alleged detention of Biniyat as dangerous for the unity of Nigeria and for peace and progress of the country, the group called on the federal government and international organisations among others to seek his release.
“We call on the federal government, international organisations, the media and the entire world to prevail on Governor Nasir Elrufai to immediately order the release of Luka.
“We believe that those who should remain in custody are those who kill with A-K 47 guns, those who issue quit notice considered to “question our collective existence as a nation” and those who disrespect the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. Injustice to one is injustice to all,” the group said.
Decrying alleged general injustice in the country, the group said it was unfortunate that there were different laws for different people in the country.
“Today, we have different laws for two groups of people – one for those who are in support of the government and the other for those against. We have Fulani herdsmen killing and raping people in many parts of Middle Belt and none was arrested.
“We have Arewa youth giving and revoking quit notice to the Igbo in the Northern part of Nigeria and none was arrested despite local and international call for their arrest…
“We the Middle Belt strongly condemn the continuous arrest and detention of Mr. Luka Binniyat and other Nigerians held as political prisoners under this administration,” the group said.
