Assault On Journalists Troubling, Says IPC As Journalists Bear Brunts Of #EndBadGovernance Protests
The International Press Centre (IPC) has condemned attacks on journalists and media professionals while covering the nationwide protests against economic hardship on Thursday.
According to reports, several journalists were physically assaulted, harassed, and denied access to cover the protests in various states. Some were injured, arrested, or had their equipment destroyed.
A statement by Melody Akinjiyan, IPC Press Freedom Officer, described the attacks as a troubling repeat of history stating that under no condition should journalists on legitimate duty be assaulted by law enforcement agencies and thugs.
According to the statement, “It is regrettable that the incidents were recorded despite calls by the IPC and other media groups on stakeholders and security agencies to ensure a safe environment for journalists covering the protests,” she said.
Stating that, “The rights of journalists to cover and report protests and other societal activities as guaranteed by the 1999 Nigeria Constitution and various regulatory frameworks have not been respected as expected,” she called on all concerned security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, to investigate the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.
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In Lagos, Benard Akede of News Central Television was interrupted and harassed by police officers and officials while attempting to conduct a live broadcast. In Kano, Ibrahim Isah of TVC News was physically assaulted by hoodlums, sustaining injuries to his hand.
In Abuja, Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times was attacked and injured by police officers, who also destroyed cameras belonging to other journalists. Jide Oyekunle, a photojournalist with Daily Independent, was arrested and had his mobile phone seized.
Similar incidents were reported in Cross River State, where hoodlums attacked and injured Nigerian Tribune reporter Joseph Abasi-Abasi, and in Delta State, where journalists were attacked by anti-protest protesters.
The IPC has called for an investigation into these attacks and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice, emphasizing the importance of respecting journalists’ rights to cover and report on protests and societal activities.
