After widespread public and media backlash, the Department of State Services (DSS) on Saturday night freed two female reporters from Jay 101.9 FM in Jos, Plateau State. The journalists had been detained while covering the funeral of Nana Lydia Yilwatda, the late mother of APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.
The reporters, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, were initially reported missing by their radio station following their arrest. The security operatives detained them after they shared a video on Jay FM’s social media platforms depicting a confrontation between a cleric and security personnel during the funeral proceedings.
The disappearance of the journalists sparked widespread concern and intense discussions across Jos, compelling the DSS to release them.
Jay FM’s management confirmed the release in a statement on Sunday, revealing that after hours of uncertainty, the two women were found at the DSS office in Jos and have since been freed.
“Once it was confirmed that the DSS had them in custody, urgent efforts were launched to secure their release. Although initially resisted, these efforts ultimately succeeded,” the statement, signed by Managing Director Comrade Clinton Garuba, explained.
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Garuba condemned the detention, labeling it unlawful, undemocratic, and a blatant attack on press freedom.
“This incident highlights ongoing concerns about violations of press freedom, human rights infringements, and the undermining of the rule of law by security agencies,” Garuba emphasized.
The station’s leadership stressed that their journalists were performing their professional duties, acting in line with ethical standards to report and document events for public awareness and accountability.
They urged the DSS to uphold press freedom and operate within legal boundaries, reminding the agency that the media is not an adversary of the state.
“It is important to remember that Nigeria is governed by civilian rule, not military dictatorship. Security forces are meant to safeguard citizens, not to intimidate or unlawfully detain them,” the statement asserted.
“To those in authority, we reiterate that a free press is essential to democracy. Silencing journalists only plunges democracy into darkness,” the statement concluded.
