The International Press Centre (IPC), has called for an urgent investigation into suspected cases of murder and attacks on Journalists across Nigeria.
The IPC made this call in commemoration of the International Day to end impunity for crimes against Journalists.
In a statement signed by the Centre’s Program Officer, Melody Lawal, the IPC called diligent prosecution of alleged offenders so as to halt the disturbing trend of impunity for crimes against journalists in the country.
See full statement as follows:
INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS: IPC DEMANDS JUSTICE OVER KILLINGS AND ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS.
The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria has said there should be urgent investigation of all suspected cases of murder and attacks on journalists and diligent prosecution of the alleged perpetrators so as to halt the disturbing trend of impunity for crimes against journalists in Nigeria.
IPC made the call for justice today 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 recent database of attacks during the #ENDSARS protest reveals that not less than ten incidents of assault, invasion and brutalization were recorded.
These include:
1. Television Continental (TVC), Lagos: The television station was attacked and partly burnt by hoodlums on Wednesday, October 21, 2020. Journalists and media professionals working in the establishment were also molested by the hoodlums.
2. Channels Television, Lagos: Security personnel attached with the station were assaulted, which led to the temporary halting of broadcast by the station on Wednesday, October 21, 2020.
3. Toyin Yusuf, Reporter, Osun State Broadcasting Corporation: He was attacked alongside with a member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists by some angry youths while covering the protest in Osun.
4. Arise Television, Lagos: A crew from the station were prevented from carrying out their legitimate duty at the Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos, by a group of soldiers on Wednesday, October 21, 2020.
5. The Nation Newspaper, Lagos: the station was set on fire by hoodlums which halted activities in the organization on Wednesday, October 21, 2020.