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By Gloria Ikibah

The National Secretariat of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has mourned the death of Comrade Patrick Osadebamwen, a veteran journalist and former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council.

In a condolence message signed by the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Aishatu Ibrahim, and National Secretary, Wasilah Ladan, the association described Osadebamwen’s death as a painful loss to the journalism profession and the wider media community.

NAWOJ said the late journalist devoted significant years of his life to journalism, unionism and the advancement of the welfare and interests of media professionals.

“Comrade Osadebamwen’s professional journey, which included service with reputable media organisations such as The Union Newspaper, Core TV, The Nigerian Tribune and Kaftan TV, as well as his leadership of the NUJ FCT Council, reflected his commitment to the journalism profession and the growth of the media community,” the statement read.

The women journalists said his death was particularly painful because journalism was more than a profession, describing it as a community united by a shared responsibility to inform society, defend truth and contribute to national development.

“For us in NAWOJ, his passing is particularly painful because the journalism profession is not merely a career; it is a community bound together by a shared commitment to informing society, defending truth and promoting a better nation.

“The death of every committed journalist therefore diminishes that community and leaves a void that will be difficult to fill,” it said.

NAWOJ extended its condolences to the NUJ FCT Council, Osadebamwen’s professional colleagues, friends and associates, with particular emphasis on his three children and the entire Osadebamwen family.

The association urged the bereaved family to draw strength from his contributions to journalism and the memories he left behind, while calling on members of the media community to stand by the family during the difficult period.

“At this moment of grief, we urge the bereaved family to take solace in the positive impact of his life and the memories he leaves behind.

“We also encourage our colleagues in the media community to stand firmly with the family and keep them in their prayers as they navigate this painful period,” NAWOJ said.

The association joined the NUJ and the wider Nigerian media community in mourning the former NUJ FCT chairman, and prayed for strength for his family and eternal rest for the deceased.

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council has held a memorial service in honour of its former chairman and veteran journalist, Comrade Patrick Osadebamwen, with a pledge to continue supporting his three children.

The memorial which was held on Monday evening, brought together journalists, friends and associates to remember Osadebamwen’s contributions to journalism and the NUJ.

Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, said the death of the former chairman was first and foremost a loss to his immediate family, but urged members to reflect on his years of service to the profession and the Union.

She also called on journalists to look out for one another and build genuine friendships despite disagreements and changes in leadership.

“Leadership within the NUJ comes with its own demands and challenges,” she said, adding that Patrick had “contributed to the affairs and development of the Union” during his time as chairman.

The council recalled Osadebamwen’s long career in journalism, during which he worked with Union Newspaper, Core TV, The Nigerian Tribune and Kaftan TV. He also served as chairman of the NUJ FCT Council.

Ike said the Union will continue to stand by the bereaved family, noting that it had remained engaged with them since news of his death and was particularly mindful of the three children he left behind.

She urged journalists to see the memorial as an opportunity to strengthen professional relationships and appreciate one another while they were still alive.

“Positions are temporary, professional engagements come and go, and ultimately, what remains is the impact we make on the people and institutions we encounter,” Ike said.

The FCT Council also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, for their “prompt assistance” in evacuating Osadebamwen’s remains.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Iniedu, was also acknowledged for representing the IGP and conveying his condolences to the family and the NUJ.

President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, represented by the National Secretary, Comrade Achike Chude, joined other speakers in paying tribute to the late journalist and former FCT chairman.

The NUJ FCT Council extended its condolences to Osadebamwen’s family, friends and associates, and prayed for strength for the family and eternal rest for the departed.

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Troops of 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in a coordinated joint operation with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local hunters and vigilante groups have successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims in Kogi State.

This was contained in a press statement signed by Lieutenant,l Hassan Abdullahi, the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations
12 Brigade Nigerian Army, copy of which was made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday.

The operation was conducted on 31 August 2026 in the Egume and Ochaja forest areas of Dekina Local Government Area.

The operation followed reports of a mass abduction of road users along the Alloma–Ejule–Itobe road axis. Acting on credible intelligence, troops, alongside other security agencies, local hunters and vigilantes, mobilised from Headquarters 21 Battalion and conducted a coordinated search of the adjoining forests.

During the operation, the joint team successfully rescued all 21 kidnapped victims, comprising 8 males and 13 females, from the Egume and Ochaja forest areas.

Unfortunately, one of the male victims sustained a gunshot wound and was promptly evacuated to a medical facility for immediate treatment.

The rescued victims are currently in the custody of the troops, while necessary arrangements are being made to hand them over to the appropriate authorities.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, commended the troops, personnel of other security agencies, local hunters and vigilantes for their courage, cooperation and commitment, which led to the successful rescue of the victims.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other forms of criminality.