A member of the Senate Committee on Army and Defence and a member of the leading opposition party, All Progressive Congress, Senator Babafemi Ojudu has decried death of Mr. Toyin Obadina, Deputy Editor of Saturday Newswatch who was shot by suspected armed robbers over the weekend and Mr. Toyin Makanjuola, former Editor of the defunct Daily Times of Nigeria who passed away after a brief illness at the age of 65.
In a statement, Ojudu lamented the killing of Mr. Toyin Obadina as evidence of continuing state of insecurity in the country, stressing that it was simply unacceptable for a man who was returning from his duty post as a journalist to be waylaid on the road, dispossessed of his personal effect and subsequently shot in the stomach which eventually led to his death in his prime.
He said upon entering the noble profession of journalism as a greenhorn fresh from the university it was only natural for him to look up to the like of Mr. Toyin Makanjuola for direction and inspiration in a vocation that he cherishes till date.
Ojudu said the death of both journalists has further reduced the number of experienced and highly cerebral journalists who will be missed as the build up to the 2015 general elections because of their experience and commitment to the noble profession of journalism which they devoted their time, talents and zeal to.
He prayed that God will grant their families, relatives, colleagues and friends the fortitude to bear the loss of these wonderful gentlemen of the press.