3rd August, 2024
The International Press Centre has cautioned security agents over the attacks on journalists during the ongoing nationwide protest.
The IPC said this in a statement on Saturday by its Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, stated that the alarming trend jeopardises the safety of the journalists involved and undermines the integrity of the information that citizens rely on to fully understand the crisis.
He said, “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, victimized and brutally assaulted by security officials, hoodlums and anti-protesters.
“IPC frowns at this inhumane attitude towards the media and press men and women in the course of serving as a societal watchdog.
“Information gathered by IPC’s journalists’ safety alert situation room revealed that there is a continuous increase in the number of journalists and media professionals who are facing one form of attack or the other including physical assault, harassment, unlawful detention, etc.
“IPC believes these increasing attacks are meant to deter the media from reporting the truth about the protests. This disturbing trend undermines not only the safety of the journalists concerned but also the integrity of the information citizens can rely on to understand the full scope of the crisis.”
He also said: “IPC reiterates the need for the Inspector General of Police and all other security agencies to call their men on the field to order. 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. Our collective voice is a powerful tool for advocating for their safety and ensuring that their essential work continues unhindered.
“IPC will continue to call for an end to the brutality and for a renewed commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all journalists.”
