The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria has said there should be urgent justice for all attacked journalists in the country through investigation and diligent prosecution of the alleged perpetrators.
IPC made the call on Thursday as journalists, other media professionals and freedom of expression groups mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
IPC said it was unfortunate that Nigeria continues to rank high among countries where press freedom and freedom of expression are under threat stating that the database of its Safety Alert Desk reveals not less than fourteen incidents of assault, threat, battery, arrest, kidnap, killing and invasion involving journalists and media institutions within the last one year.
Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, said these were unwelcome development deserving the attention of media stakeholders.
“We attach the highest priority to the safety of journalists and other media actors. We oppose any action, legislation, regulation or political pressure that limits freedom of the press. Acts of intimidation and violence against journalists in Nigeria have to end for democracy to survive. Attacks against media institutions and journalists are attacks against democratic rights including the right of the public to know the truth about the way they are governed,” Arogundade said.
Mr. Arogundade called on the Police authorities to make public disclosure on what has been done so far towards unraveling the mystery behind killed journalists in Nigeria.
He also called on journalists and other media professionals to take their safety more seriously by keeping abreast with various safety tips for journalists covering dangerous assignments.
Share this
