By  Abdulwahab  Abdulah

LAGOS— Sequel to a report that  the authorities have resolved to employ some strict measures to arrest those behind the
kidnapping of four executive members of Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Journalists, NUJ, an Igbo  group , Peace  Accord, has asked the police to exercise restraint  to avoid the repeat of Odi massacre.

Coordinator of the group, Mr. Malachy Nwachukwu, in a statement in Lagos, said while the efforts of  the government in tackling the menace of kidnapping to free the  abducted journalists was commendable, care must be taken  by law enforcement agents so that  innocent citizens  will not become victims of police brutality.

Recalling past incidents, especially attacks on members of MASSOB, who are agitating for the freedom of its people, the group noted that innocent citizens have suffered untold hardship, harassment and abuse due to police unconventional tactics.

It warned that destroying the lives and properties of innocent citizens, while searching for the abducted journalists might not be rational.

The body noted that efforts of the government and notable Nigerians in condemning the  abduction of the journalists was  worthwhile,  saying several  Igbo have suffered untold hardship due to some inadequacies of some of their kindred.