Stop attacking journalists, IPI Nigeria warns security agencies

By EMMANUEL KUJE, Abuja –

The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has expressed concern over the increasing attacks on journalists covering the #EndBadGovernance protests across the country.

This is contained in a statement issued and signed on Friday by the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, and the Legal Adviser of IPI Nigeria, Tony Soniyi.

IPI Nigeria noted that it is the constitutional duty of journalists to cover the protests and that law enforcement agencies should not attack them while carrying out their duties.

The organization condemned the reported attacks on journalists, including Benard Akede of News Central Television, who was allegedly harassed by police officers in Lagos, and Ibrahim Isah of TVC, who was assaulted in Kano.

IPI Nigeria also highlighted the destruction of journalists’ equipment, including cameras, and the arrest of Jide Oyekunle, a photojournalist with Daily Independent.

The organization called on the heads of security agencies to instruct their operatives to stop further attacks on journalists and hold culpable officers accountable.

“We recognize the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order, but it is also their responsibility to protect journalists.

“We demand that journalists be protected from attacks and that their equipment be respected.”

IPI Nigeria emphasized that the attacks on journalists are a violation of their constitutional rights and a threat to democracy.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and hold those responsible for the attacks accountable,” said the statement.