The International Press Centre (IPC) has expressed grave concern over the ongoing violence against journalists covering the #EndBadGovernance protests.
In a statement released on Sunday, IPC condemned the brutal treatment of media personnel by security officials, hoodlums, and anti-protesters, describing it as “totally appalling.”
The IPC highlighted a disturbing increase in attacks on journalists, including physical assault, harassment, and unlawful detention.
The Centre’s Safety of Journalists Alert Desk has documented several incidents involving media professionals facing such threats.
Notably, in Abuja, Olukayode Jayeola, a photojournalist with The Punch Newspaper, was arrested by police officers while covering the protests at Eagle Square. His camera, phones, and other personal belongings were confiscated.
Additionally, masked security operatives fired sporadically at journalists’ vehicles at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, causing bullets to pierce a car belonging to Premium Times.
“Masked security operatives also fired sporadically at journalists at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. Bullets pierced a Premium Times reporter’s car conveying journalists out of the location.
“The Journalists inside the car shot at by security agents are those of The Punch, The Cable, Premium Times, and Peoples Gazette,” it stated.
Journalists from The Punch, The Cable, Premium Times, and Peoples Gazette were in the vehicle at the time.
In Maiduguri, Borno State, nine staff members of Radio Ndarason Internationale were arrested by security officials while reporting the protests.
IPC believes these attacks are intended to intimidate journalists and hinder accurate reporting of the protests.
The Centre argues that such violence not only jeopardizes the safety of journalists but also compromises the public’s access to reliable information about the crisis.
IPC has called on the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies to ensure that their personnel adhere to professional conduct and respect the rights of journalists.
The Centre also urged all stakeholders to unite in condemning the abuse and harassment of media professionals, advocating for their immediate protection.
The centre said, “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.
“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.”
