• Group pledges solidarity, deeper partnership with journalists
Chioma Vivian James
The Commandant-General of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Otunba James Udoma, on Thursday, September 3, 2026, led a delegation of the organisation on a condolence visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, following the death of the Council’s former Chairman, Comrade Patrick Osadebamwen.
The VGN delegation visited the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat in Abuja, where it was received by members of the Council’s Executive, led by the Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, who was represented by the Financial Secretary, Comrade Henry Daniel-Abimiku.
Expressing sadness over the death of the former NUJ FCT Chairman, Udoma said the visit was aimed at identifying with the Union and expressing the VGN’s solidarity with journalists during the period of mourning.
“On behalf of my entire team, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and our structures across the country, we are here as a body to condole with the Union over the demise of the past Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council.
“NUJ happens to be our home, our friend and our body. We are part of NUJ and are committed to promoting peace in Nigeria. So, we are here to say that we condole with you; we are part of you. Any other activity concerning this sad development, please let us be aware. We are going to be part of you on this journey,” he said.
Responding, the NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, represented by the Council’s Financial Secretary, Comrade Henry Daniel-Abimiku, expressed appreciation to the Commandant-General and members of the VGN delegation for standing with the Council at a difficult moment.
Ike also commended the Vigilante Group of Nigeria for its contribution to peace and security in the Federal Capital Territory and across the country.
“I extend a warm welcome and express our sincere respect for the vital role you are playing in maintaining peace and security within the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria at large. Your dedication and tireless efforts on the ground are indispensable to the well-being of our communities,” she said.
According to her, journalists remain committed to informing the public, holding institutions accountable and promoting an environment where truth, transparency and responsible communication thrive.
“We recognize that the work of the Vigilante Group directly impacts the safety and security that allow our society to function and citizens to live without fear,” Ike added.
The NUJ FCT Chairman further expressed the Council’s interest in strengthening and deepening its relationship with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria.
She noted that closer collaboration between journalists, security agencies and community-based organisations would contribute to peacebuilding, public safety, responsible information dissemination and sustainable community development.
The condolence visit therefore provided an opportunity for both organisations to reaffirm their commitment to partnership and mutual support, while honouring the memory of a former NUJ FCT leader whose contributions to journalism and the Council remain significant.
The two organisations also reiterated the importance of collective efforts in promoting peace, security, responsible journalism and a safer society.
