CPJ: 56 journalists attacked, harassed during #EndBadGovernance protest

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an independent, non-profit organisation that works to promote press freedom worldwide, says at least 56 journalists were attacked during the recent nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest.

Globally, attacks on the press often spike during moments of political tension. In Nigeria, they have continued to rise over the years.

Last year, CPJ said it found that more than 40 Nigerian journalists were detained, attacked, or harassed while reporting on the general election.

In 2020, at least a dozen journalists were attacked during the #EndSARS campaign to abolish the infamous special anti-robbery squad (SARS) police unit.

In a report, CPJ said all but one of the 56 journalists harassed, a reporter for government-owned Radio Nigeria, worked for privately owned media outlets.

According to the CPJ’s report, Abuja, the nation’s capital, recorded the most incidents during the #EndBadGovernance protest, with over 20 journalists attacked, including four from TheCable.

Masked security forces fired bullets and tear gas in the direction of journalists, several of whom were wearing “Press” vests during the protest on August 3 at the Moshood Abiola stadium, Abuja.

In Delta, CPJ said at least 10 unidentified assailants attacked four journalists.

In Kano, attackers wielding machetes and sticks smashed the windows of a Channels Television-branded bus carrying 11 journalists and a car carrying two journalists.

Three journalists were also attacked in Lagos.

The police repeatedly denied using force on both protesters and journalists.