Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has been thrown into mourning following the death of one of its members, Mr. Sunday Olatuyi.
The journalist was killed by a speeding driver at the Lugbe Bus Stop in Abuja on Saturday night.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Council’s Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the union said Olatuyi was knocked down by a Toyota Corolla marked RBC 128 AM while returning home from work.
He was said to be in the company of a friend at the time of the accident.
Describing the incident as “tragic and unfortunate,” the NUJ noted that the death reflects a disturbing rise in reckless driving across the Federal Capital Territory, calling for urgent measures to curb the trend.
Oyekunle disclosed that the deceased, aged 40, hailed from Odo-Oro Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
He is survived by his wife, an aged mother and a seven-month-old daughter, Eniola.
Until his death, Olatuyi served as a Senior Cameraman with Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN Television) and had previously worked with Ben TV.
According to the union, his passing “leaves a vacuum that will be difficult to fill,” describing him as a dedicated professional, a committed unionist and a colleague whose contributions to the media industry would be sorely missed.
The NUJ FCT Council m condemned the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash and demanded an immediate, thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.
It also called on the Nigeria Police Force to promptly prosecute the driver involved in accordance with the law, stressing that “justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done, to serve as a deterrent to others.”
The Council extended its condolences to Olatuyi’s family, ADBN Television, the Correspondents’ Chapel, the Society of Practicing Cameramen, and media colleagues, assuring that it would stand firmly with the bereaved family and continue to follow up on the case until justice is served.
He will be buried after consultations with his family.