The International Press Centre (IPC) has condemned the attack on Wish FM 99.5 and the Atlantic Television Network through sporadic gunshots and explosions by suspected gunmen in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State on the night of Tuesday, February 21st, 2023.
IPC in a statement by its Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan also called for the immediate investigation of the incident by the Police so that the perpetrators of the dastardly act can be made to face immediate justice.
The Centre said it is particularly concerned that if the perpetrators are allowed to escape justice it may encourage further attacks on journalists and the media.
Reports reaching IPC Safety Alert Desk according to the Centre indicate that the incident which occurred at about 8:40p.m, led to the destruction of some equipment and property within the facility which houses the two media outlets.
IPC, therefore, enjoined both the Inspector General of Police and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to urgently step into the matter and unravel the mystery behind the attack.
It reminded the Federal and state governments, and the law enforcement and security agents that the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage enjoins them to provide the enabling environment for journalists and other media professionals to effectively perform their functions during elections.
“Their responsibilities in the above regard include guaranteeing the safety of journalists and protecting them in the face of attacks” IPC stated
For more information on press freedom issues, contact Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC
melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org +2348132776441
