The International Press Centre (IPC) has issued a stern warning to security agents following a series of attacks on journalists during the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests. In a statement released on Saturday, Melody Akinjiyan, Press Freedom Officer at IPC, condemned the disturbing trend of violence against media personnel.
Akinjiyan highlighted the alarming increase in incidents where journalists have been targeted, assaulted, and harassed by security officials, anti-protesters, and hoodlums. "As the protests enter their third day, it is deeply troubling to witness that journalists who are merely performing their duties are being subjected to such brutality," he said.
The IPC's situation room has reported a surge in attacks against media professionals, including physical assault, unlawful detention, and harassment. Akinjiyan emphasized that these actions not only endanger the safety of journalists but also compromise the quality and reliability of information available to the public.
"This disturbing trend aims to intimidate the media and obstruct the truth from reaching the public," Akinjiyan added. "Such behavior undermines both the safety of journalists and the integrity of the information that citizens depend on to understand the full extent of the crisis."
The IPC has called on the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies to take immediate action to address these abuses. It also urged all stakeholders to unite in condemning the attacks and advocating for the protection of journalists on the field.
Akinjiyan reaffirmed the IPC's commitment to fighting against brutality and ensuring that journalists can carry out their essential work without fear of violence. "We will continue to push for an end to these injustices and a renewed dedication to upholding the rights and dignity of journalists," he concluded.
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