NATIONWIDE PROTEST: IPC Condemns Attacks on Journalists

NATIONWIDE PROTEST: IPC Condemns Attacks on Journalists

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has strongly condemned the attacks on journalists and media professionals during the first day of nationwide protests on August 1.

These protests were organized by groups demanding an end to economic policies causing widespread hardship.

According to IPC’s journalists’ safety alert situation room, many journalists faced physical assault, harassment, and denial of access while covering the protests.

Some were injured, arrested, or had their equipment destroyed.

Lagos State:
Benard Akede of News Central Television was harassed by police officers and LCC officials, who prevented him and other journalists from conducting interviews during a live broadcast.

Kano State:
Ibrahim Isah of TVC News was physically assaulted by armed hoodlums while covering the protest in Kano, sustaining injuries to his hand.

A Channels Television vehicle carrying eleven journalists, including Isah, was vandalized, traumatizing the occupants.

FCT, Abuja:
Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times was attacked and injured by police officers using gun butts and batons, causing head injuries. Cameras belonging to journalists were also destroyed by police.

Jide Oyekunle of Daily Independent was arrested, and his mobile phone seized.

Mary Adeboye of News Central Television was affected by tear gas thrown by police officers.

Cross River State:
Hoodlums in Calabar seriously injured Nigerian Tribune reporter Joseph Abasi-Abasi and targeted an 18-seater bus belonging to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Jonathan Ugbal of Cross River Watch was arrested, beaten, and taken to an unknown location by police before being released.

Delta State:
Matthew Ochei of Punch Newspaper, Monday Osayande of Guardian Newspaper, and Pointer reporter Lucy were attacked by anti-protest protesters in Delta State.

The journalists were taking pictures and conducting interviews when pro-government protesters smashed their equipment and attacked them.

IPC’s Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, described these attacks as a troubling repeat of history, stating that journalists on legitimate duty should not be assaulted by law enforcement or thugs.

She emphasized that journalists’ rights to cover and report protests are guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and regulatory frameworks.

Akinjiyan called on security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, to investigate these attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.