Independent journalist Safwan U. Ahmed alerts security agencies over alleged threat to his life in Mangu
By: Zagazola Makama
Independent journalist Safwan U. Ahmed has alerted security authorities over what he described as a threatening and intimidating communication allegedly directed at him by Walshak John Samuel over his publications concerning the Mwaghavul community.
Ahmed made the disclosure in a public statement, saying he decided to release a video publicly because it directly addressed him by name and raised serious concerns about his personal safety.
According to the journalist, Samuel, in the video, spoke directly about his publications concerning the Mwaghavul community, saying he had been monitoring his posts and videos for some time. Ahmed said the speaker cautioned him over what he publishes, referred to the expression “take it or leave it” and ended the message by saying, “Please take this message seriously.”
Ahmed said although Samuel stated that he was not threatening him, he believed the language, context and circumstances surrounding the message warranted a proper security assessment, particularly because he had previously received communications which he considered threatening or intimidating.
The journalist further disclosed that on Aug. 19, 2026, he received another communication containing the words, “Look for him and take him off.” He said he had preserved the evidence and made it available to the appropriate authorities.
Ahmed stressed that he welcomes criticism, corrections and disagreements over his journalism, adding that anyone who considers his reports inaccurate should provide facts and evidence for scrutiny.
He, however, said disagreements over journalism should not degenerate into intimidation or create circumstances in which a journalist genuinely fears for his safety.
The journalist said he had formally reported the matter to the security authorities for investigation, security assessment and preventive intervention.
He also stated that he would not retaliate or take the law into his own hands, but would allow the relevant authorities to examine the evidence and establish the facts.
Ahmed said his journalism remains anchored on facts, evidence, security, accountability and peace, adding that he would continue to advocate peaceful coexistence, justice and accountability without targeting any ethnic or religious community.
He said the decision to make the matter public was not intended to provoke anyone but to document the incident transparently and enable the appropriate authorities to assess the security implications.
“Humanity First. Peace First. Let the evidence speak,” Ahmed said.
