The International Press Centre (IPC) has condemned the escalating attacks on journalists by security agents and hoodlums, describing them as deliberate attempts to hinder accurate reporting on ongoing protests.
On Thursday, officials from the National Security Adviser’s office abducted The PUNCH photojournalist Kayode Jaiyeola and seized his camera and phones. As of this report, his belongings have not been returned.
In another incident, police fired teargas at journalists covering a protest at the Berger roundabout in the Federal Capital Territory on Friday. Similarly, in Borno State, nine staff members of Radio Ndarason Internationale were arrested by security officials while covering protests in Maiduguri.
Journalists covering the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests have faced harassment and victimization from both security agents and hoodlums. In a statement on Saturday, IPC’s Press Freedom Officer Melody Akinjiyan expressed alarm over the continuous targeting of journalists.
“As the #EndBadGovernance protests enter the third day, the IPC finds it appalling that journalists covering these events are being victimized and assaulted by security officials, hoodlums, and anti-protesters,” Akinjiyan stated. “The IPC condemns this inhumane treatment of media professionals who serve as society’s watchdog.”
IPC’s journalists’ safety alert situation room reports a growing number of attacks on journalists, including physical assaults, harassment, and unlawful detentions.
Akinjiyan called on Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and other security agency heads to restrain their officers. She urged all stakeholders to condemn these abuses and advocate for journalists’ protection, emphasizing the power of a unified voice in ensuring journalists can work safely and freely.
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