Protests: IPI Nigeria Condemns Attacks on Journalists, Urges Immediate Probe

The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI), Nigeria, has strongly condemned the recent spate of attacks on journalists during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.

In a statement released on Friday, the organization’s President, Musikilu Mojeed, and Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, expressed deep concern over multiple incidents of violence and harassment targeting media personnel.

IPI Nigeria emphasized that journalists have a constitutional right and duty to report on the protests and called on law enforcement agencies to protect, rather than target, members of the press. The statement highlighted numerous cases where journalists were tear-gassed, harassed, and had their equipment destroyed while covering the protests.

The organization urged immediate action from security agencies, calling for an end to the attacks and demanding a thorough investigation into the incidents.

“The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has observed with concern a series of indiscriminate attacks on journalists covering the #EndBadGovernance protests in the country,” the statement read.

“We remind law enforcement agencies that it is the constitutional duty of journalists to cover these events. They should not be attacked while carrying out their responsibilities. While we recognize the need for law enforcement agencies to maintain order, it is equally important for journalists to inform the public of developments in the country. It is the duty of law enforcement to protect journalists. We call on the police to investigate these attacks and ensure the protection of media workers.”

The statement cited several specific incidents, including:

• In Lagos, Benard Akede of News Central Television was allegedly harassed by police officers who prevented him and other journalists from conducting interviews during a live broadcast.
• In Kano, a vehicle belonging to Channels Television, carrying eleven journalists, was vandalized, with one journalist, Ibrahim Isah of TVC, being assaulted. Other vehicles belonging to Premier Radio and Cool/Wazobia/Arewa FM Kano were also attacked.
• In Abuja, Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times was reportedly assaulted by police officers, who struck him with gun butts and batons, causing head injuries. Additionally, Jide Oyekunle, a photojournalist with Daily Independent and Chairman of the FCT Correspondent Chapel of the NUJ, was arrested, and his mobile phone was confiscated.

The organization reiterated its call for security agencies to cease attacks on journalists and warned that those responsible would be held accountable.

The protests, which began on Thursday, have been marked by widespread violence, with reports of hoodlums attacking and looting public and private properties, alongside documented cases of police aggression towards protesters and journalists.