The International Press Centre, IPC, has expressed concern about developments on the #ENDSARS and #ENDSWAT protests, especially the targeting of media institutions and harassment of journalists.
IPC in a statement on Wednesday by its Executive Director, Mr Lanre Arogundade condemned the attack on Television Continental (TVC) as well as the molestation of the journalists and other media professionals working in the establishment by a mob.
It equally condemned the assault on some security personnel attached to Channels Television that led to the temporary halting of broadcasts by the station.
IPC also decries the attack on Toyin Yusuf, a journalist with Osun State Broadcasting Corporation and another member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists by some angry youths while covering the protests in the state.
IPC further condemns the prevention of an Arise TV crew from carrying out their legitimate duty at the Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos, by a group of soldiers also today, Wednesday, October 21.
The following have also been reportedly affected by the ongoing riotous movement: The Nation Newspaper, Lagos, Africa Independent Television (AIT) Benin and journalists working with The Punch Newspaper and other media organisations who are covering the protest have also been confirmed attacked. This has also led to the forced closure of many media organisations.
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Arogundade warned that molestation of journalists and other media professionals either by the security agents, mobs or protesters was not acceptable, adding that “the media and journalists have the legitimacy to report the current crisis across the country with a view to bringing the truthful account to the citizens and under no circumstances should they be subjected to hardship in the course of doing that.”
According to Mr. Arogundade, the security agents should instead of firing live bullets at peaceful protesters confront those engaging in arson with a view to bringing them to justice.
He enjoined the security operatives to take necessary actions to ensure a safe environment for journalists and other media professionals to carry out their duties unhindered while enforcing the curfew imposed in Lagos and some other states.
Mr. Arogundade also said it was imperative for journalists covering and reporting the #EndSARS protests and the fall out to stick to the principles of good and conflict-sensitive journalism that require balance, shunning of bias, avoidance of hate speech, the discipline of verification, fact-checking, use of reliable sources, giving voice to victims and the affected, and thorough investigation of claims and counter-claims.
