The International Press Centre (IPC) in Lagos has strongly condemned the attacks on journalists and media professionals during Thursday’s nationwide hunger protest.
Journalists faced various forms of assault, including physical attacks, harassment, and denial of access to the protest. Some were injured, arrested, or had their equipment destroyed.
Melody Akinjiyan, IPC’s Press Freedom Officer, expressed deep concern over these incidents, calling them a troubling repeat of history. She emphasized that journalists on legitimate duty should never be assaulted by law enforcement agencies or thugs.
“It is regrettable that these incidents occurred despite calls by IPC and other media groups for stakeholders and security agencies to ensure a safe environment for journalists covering the protests,” Akinjiyan stated.
She stressed that the rights of journalists to cover and report on protests and other societal activities, as guaranteed by the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and various regulatory frameworks, have not been respected. Akinjiyan called on all relevant security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, to investigate the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.
