The International Press Centre (IPC) has expressed serious concern over a surge in attacks on journalists by both security agents and hoodlums, which it views as deliberate attempts to prevent accurate reporting on the ongoing protests.
On Thursday, officials from the National Security Adviser’s office abducted The PUNCH photojournalist Kayode Jaiyeola, seizing his camera and phones. As of the latest report, his belongings have not been returned.
The violence continued on Friday in the Federal Capital Territory, where police officers discharged teargas at journalists covering the protests at Berger roundabout.
The following day, masked security operatives fired sporadically at journalists at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, with bullets piercing a car carrying reporters from Premium Times, The Punch, The Cable, and Peoples Gazette.
In Borno State, nine staff members of Radio Ndarason Internationale were arrested by security officials in Maiduguri while reporting on the protests.
Other journalists covering the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests have faced harassment and victimization from both security agents and hoodlums.
IPC’s Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, condemned these attacks, stating in a Saturday statement, “It is utterly appalling that journalists covering and reporting on the protests are still being targeted and brutally assaulted by security officials and anti-protesters.”
Akinjiyan emphasized that the increasing violence against journalists threatens their safety and undermines the integrity of the information the public relies on to understand the protests.
He called on Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and other security agency leaders to address these issues, urging all stakeholders to unite in condemning the abuse and ensuring journalists’ protection.
“IPC reiterates the need for all security agencies to rein in their personnel and insists on a collective effort to safeguard journalists and uphold their vital role in reporting the truth,” Akinjiyan added.
“IPC remains committed to advocating for the safety and dignity of all journalists.”
