The International Press Centre (IPC), on Wednesday, condemned the violent assault on News Central reporters and cameramen by thugs at Freedom Park, Ojota, during recent hunger protests.
The incident has raised concerns about press freedom and journalist safety in Nigeria.
According to IPC’s Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, a group of over 10 thugs attacked the News Central crew, who were attempting to report on the protests. Despite initial police directives to leave the park, the journalists were later confronted by the hoodlums, forcing them to flee.
In response to the incident, News Central TV’s Managing Director, Kayode Akintemi, met with Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, to express concerns and submit an official complaint. The Commissioner has since ordered an immediate investigation into the incident, pledging to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
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Akinjiyan said, “The thugs who were more than 10 attacked the crew of News Central Television, who went to the venue to monitor the situation. When the News Central crew arrived, police directed them to leave the park. They relocated to a distant location to continue their live broadcast. During the broadcast, the journalists were confronted by the hoodlums wielding sticks and shovels. The thugs assaulted several reporters and forced them to flee.
“Report stated that ‘the Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has ordered an immediate investigation into this incident. He mandated the investigating team to fish out the miscreants and ensure their prosecution accordingly. He gave this directive yesterday when the crew, led by News Central MD, Kayode Akintemi, submitted an official complaint letter at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja’.
“IPC is, therefore, again calling on the security agencies, in particular the Commissioner of Police of Lagos State to fulfill his pledge to go after the thugs who assaulted the journalists and interrogate the policemen who looked the other way while journalists were being attacked.”
The IPC has called on the police to fulfill this pledge, emphasizing the need for accountability and protection of journalists. The incident highlights the challenges faced by media professionals in Nigeria, where reporting on sensitive topics can lead to intimidation, violence and even death.
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