The national Secretariat of Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ has risen to the occasion to condemn in strong terms attacks melted of media houses by the #ENDSARS protesters in Nigeria.
A press release signed by the National Secretary of NUJ and sent to 9news Nigeria appeals to protesters to stop further destruction media facilities in the country.
Below is the press statement from NUJ:
October 21, 2020
Media Release
Stop the Assault on Media
We condemn in strong terms the latest attack by unknown persons on Television Continental (TCV) in Lagos and other media houses and demand immediate investigation into circumstances that led to the burning down of the station.
The impunity against journalists and media general is alarming and worrisome. The assault against free press is mostly evident in countries where there are dictatorships and authoritarian governments. Sadly, we are witnessing these attacks being targeted against media houses and journalists in Nigeria with lives of Reporters being daily endangered and continue to be as they cover the #EndSARS protests, and other flash point.
While there is no way of knowing the motivation of every single attack against the media, we worry why Government is not showing support and concern for the safety and security of media personnel and equipment.
We call on journalists to note that self-preservation, and staying alive should always be the first safety code. No assignment is worthy of the life of a media worker. Journalists should always evaluate the physical and mental demands of assignments, especially in crises or conflict situations, before embarking on them.
These acts of recklessness on the media are barbaric, cannot be justified and must be curtailed immediately.
Shuaibu Usman Leman
Walin Shadalafiya
National Secretary
