The International Press Centre (IPC) has expressed grave concern over the increasing number of attacks on journalists by security agents and hoodlums, viewing them as deliberate efforts to suppress truthful reporting on ongoing protests.
On Thursday, officials from the office of the National Security Adviser abducted and confiscated the camera and phones of Kayode Jaiyeola, a photojournalist from The PUNCH.ย
As of the time of filing this report, his belongings have not been returned.
The situation escalated further on Friday in the Federal Capital Territory when police officers fired teargas at journalists covering a protest at the Berger roundabout.
ย The violence continued on Saturday, with masked security operatives firing sporadically at journalists at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.ย
During this attack, bullets pierced a car belonging to a Premium Times reporter, which was transporting journalists from The PUNCH, The Cable, Premium Times, and Peoples Gazette.
In Borno State, nine staff members of Radio Ndarason Internationale were arrested by security officials in Maiduguri while covering the protests.ย
Additionally, other journalists covering the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest have faced harassment and victimisation from both security agents and hoodlums.
The IPC’s Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, condemned these attacks in a statement released on Saturday.ย
“As the #EndBadGovernance protests enter the third day, the International Press Centre, Lagos finds it totally appalling that journalists covering and reporting the protests are still being targeted, victimised, and brutally assaulted by security officials, hoodlums, and anti-protesters,” Akinjiyan stated.
“IPC frowns at this inhumane attitude towards the media and press men and women in the course of serving as a societal watchdog,” she added.
The IPC’s journalistsโ safety alert situation room has documented a continuous increase in attacks on journalists and media professionals, including physical assault, harassment, and unlawful detention.
Akinjiyan called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other heads of security agencies to address the actions of their personnel.ย
“It is also crucial that all stakeholders come together to condemn the abuse and harassment of journalists and demand immediate protection for those on the field.
โ Our collective voice is a powerful tool for advocating for their safety and ensuring that their essential work continues unhindered,” she emphasized.
These incidents highlight a troubling trend of escalating violence against the press, undermining the critical role of journalists in reporting the truth and holding power to account.ย
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