Journalists Brutally Attacked During Nigerian Protests

In a troubling repeat of history, journalists in Nigeria have been subjected to physical assaults, harassment, and denial of access while covering nationwide protests demanding an end to economic hardships. The International Press Centre (IPC) has condemned the attacks, citing a disregard for the rights of journalists to cover and report on the protests.

According to IPC’s Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, several journalists and media professionals faced various forms of attack, including physical assault, harassment, and denial of access. The Safety Alert Situation Room recorded incidents of journalists being injured, arrested, or having their working tools destroyed.

The most recent attack involved a Lagos State reporter for News Central Television, who was interrupted and harassed by police officers and LCC officials during a live broadcast. Other journalists alleged to have been attacked include Ibrahim Isah of TVC News, Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times, Jide Oyekunle, a photojournalist with Daily Independent, and Mary Adeboye of News Central Television.

"It is regrettable that these incidents occurred despite calls by IPC and other media groups to stakeholders and security agencies to ensure a safe environment for journalists covering the protests," said IPC.

The rights of journalists to cover and report on protests and other societal activities are enshrined in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and various regulatory frameworks. However, these rights have not been respected as expected.

In response, IPC has called on all concerned security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, to urgently investigate the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.