The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Director General, Irina Bokova, has condemned the killing of a journalist, Ikechukwu Udendu by unknown gunmen in Onitsha recently.

It would recalled that the Victim, Ikechukwu Udendu was the editor of a monthly newspaper in Anambra State, where he published and was subsequently killed.

In a statement signed by media adviser to UNESCO, Sylvie Courdray and made available to Leadership Weekend yesterday, it stated that the DG expresses concern over the safety of journalists in the country.

According to the DG, "Journalists and editors must be able to carry out their duties without fearing reprisals if the basic human right of freedom of expression is to be respected".

She said: "I condemn the murder of Ikechukwu Udendu and trust that the authorities will investigate this case and do all they could to bring the culprits to trial, adding that "safety is an essential condition for press freedom to allow journalists exercise their duties and to nurture informed debate".

UNESCO is the UN Agency armed with the mandate to defend freedom of expression and press freedom in the world.