CPJ: 28 journalists were attacked, harassed during state polls

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) says at least 28 journalists and media workers were harassed and attacked while covering the state and house of assembly elections held on March 18. 

In a statement on Tuesday, the organisation cited several cases of attacks experienced by journalists across the country, adding that security officials present did not intervene.

“On March 18, at least 10 unidentified men punched and used sticks to hit a TV crew with the privately owned broadcaster Arise TV after they used a drone to film voting stations in southwestern Lagos state,” the statement reads.

“Nearby security officers did not intervene while the men attacked Adeoye, camera operator Opeyemi Adenihun, and driver Yusuf Hassan, but seized the drone following the incident. Adenihun said he received medical treatment the next day for a cut to his face.

“In Ikeja, the capital of Lagos state, Ima Elijah, a reporter with the privately owned news website Pulse.ng and her camera operator were harassed and forced out of a polling unit by unidentified individuals who insisted that the elections at that polling unit should not be reported by the media.

“Also in Lagos state, two officials from Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission prevented Chibuike Chukwu, a reporter with the privately owned news website Independent, from taking pictures or videos at a polling place.

“In the northern city of Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, three state security officers slapped, punched, and used sticks to hit Edwin Philip, a reporter with private broadcaster Breeze 99.9 FM, on orders from a palace official at a polling unit.”

CPJ called on Nigerian authorities to investigate the incidents and hold the perpetrators to account.

Angela Quintal, CPJ’s Africa program coordinator, said: “Nigerian authorities should swiftly identify and hold accountable those responsible for the recent attacks, harassment, and intimidation of journalists covering state elections and ensure that members of the press feel safe to report on political issues.

“Freedom of the press during elections, which of course includes journalists’ safety to do their work, is fundamental to the democratic process.”