Seven journalists have been killed and 300 abused in incidents affecting 500 journalists in Nigeria from 2015 to date, a report released by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has revealed.
The period of the study covers the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, having been sworn-in for his first term in office in May 2015.
The report, which was released in Abuja on Wednesday, said the development was of major concern as journalists and media organisations are targets of attack by both protesters and government.
The Executive Director, Citizen Advocacy for Social and Economic Right (CASER), Frank Tietie who presented the report, said the development had brought back unpleasant memories during military rule when Nigeria recorded its worst crimes against the media.
“The nation is witnessing actions that seek to undermine the journalism profession by both state and non-state actors,” Tietie said.
“Nigeria is fast gaining notoriety for its failure to tackle impunity for crimes against journalists including killings.
“For example, in 2017, four journalists were killed in separate incidents with no credible inquiry yet to find the culprits and their motive for the fatal attacks.
“The four were Ikechukwu Onubogu, a cameraman with the Anambra Broadcasting Services; Lawrence Okojie of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) in Edo State; Famous Giobaro, a desk editor with Glory FM in Bayelsa State and freelance broadcaster, Abdul Ganiyu Lawal in Ekiti State.”
He said clamping down on the media was a sign of weak democracy and a restive government.
“It is instructive to note that a free and open press is part of the bedrock of democracy and development, and these should be encouraged and sustained,” Tietie said.
The president of the NUJ, Chris Isiguzo, decried the incessant attack on journalists in the country. He said safety of journalists goes beyond killings and physical assault but includes the “absence of arbitrary arrests, resorting to exile to escape repression, harassment as well as destruction and confiscation of equipment and premises.”
The chairman, NUJ, FCT Council, Emmanuel Ogbeche, called for more collaboration to ensure that freedom of the press is guaranteed in the country.
He said the union would continue to support the fight against all forms of violence against media practitioners in the country.
