The Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, has described the recent attack on some journalists and media houses as unwarranted and condemnable.
In a statement by its President, Mustapha Isah and General Secretary, Mary Atolagbe, NGE noted that the Nigerian media contributed immensely to the current democracy being enjoyed in Nigeria and should therefore operate in an atmosphere of unfettered access to information and peace.
It noted that adequate security for media houses has become imperative because of Tuesday’s attacks on Television Continental (TVC), The Nation Newspapers, Lagos Television and Traffic Radio.
Other media houses including Channels TV and Galaxy TV had to go off air temporarily as a precautionary measure.
The media NGE stated should not be made to operate in an insecure atmosphere as journalists had engaged in reporting all sides since the #EndSARS protests erupted.
“ This is against the background of their Constitutional duty of informing the public of developments in the country, and they discharged such responsibilities even at the risk of their lives.
“ It is for this reason the Guild is calling on the government to provide adequate security for media houses to enable them perform their Constitutional role of informing the public and holding leaders accountable to the people.”
The Guild said the government should also consider providing compensation to the affected media houses to enable them bounce back and keep their employees at work.
