MRA, IPC call for laws to protect journalists against attacks

Media groups have called for a legal framework to protect Nigerian journalists from attacks and threats in the line of duty. 

This formed the crux of the discussion at an event to celebrate World Press Freedom Day on Friday in Ikeja, Lagos.

The event was organised by the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and Global Rights, in collaboration with the International Press Centre (IPC) and Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO).

Datasets showing attacks on journalists were presented at the event while persons attacked in the line of duty shared their experiences.

Edetaen Ojo, executive director of MRA, said reported attacks on journalists and media houses under the administration of President Bola Tinubu are disturbing.

Ojo said there is a need for media stakeholders to double efforts and collaborate in defence of media freedom and the safety of journalists.

“Between May 2023 and April 2024, MRA recorded at least 45 attacks on journalists and media houses,” he said.

“In 37 of these attacks, the victims were male journalists, representing 82 percent while in four of the attacks, the victims were female journalists, representing 9 percent of the attacks.

“The additional four attacks we recorded were against media houses, organisations or outlets which were invaded.

“These institutional attacks also represent 9 percent of the total attacks.

“We, therefore, call on all stakeholders to share information more and support each other in times of crisis.

“We are working with our partners to develop tools to enable us better track, document and respond to attacks on journalists and media freedom in general.

“We are also engaged in discussions on the establishment of a national mechanism on the safety of journalists and part of the functions of such a mechanism will be ensuring that there is accountability for any attack against journalists or the abuse of power inherent in any such attack.”

Lanre Arogundade, executive director of IPC, said 33 cases of attacks involving 44 journalists were reported from January to December 2023.

Arogundade said media stakeholders are working on legislative frameworks that will protect press freedom in the country.

“IPC has been playing an active role in initiatives geared towards a national mechanism on the safety of journalists and protection of press freedom following a workshop to that effect in Abuja about two years ago,” he added.

“IPC is glad that arising from that pioneering effort, media stakeholders are now working on institutional and legislative frameworks that will expand the frontiers of press freedom, particularly, a national policy on the safety of journalists and press freedom.

“We consider this a welcome development and hope that the efforts yield fruits sooner than later.”