NUJ demands end to journalist attacks on International Day Against Impunity
NUJ President Alhassan Yahya marks International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (November 2) by demanding the Federal Government and security agencies halt attacks on media workers. The union details ongoing intimidation, arbitrary arrests, physical assaults, and cyberbullying targeting journalists performing legitimate duties.
Yahya warns that failure to prosecute perpetrators threatens press freedom, undermines rule of law, and weakens democratic governance. The statement urges security agencies to recognize journalists as constitutional partners in accountability, not adversaries. NUJ calls for collaboration among government institutions, media organizations, civil society groups, and international partners to establish effective safety mechanisms and emergency support systems—especially for reporters in high-risk zones.
The union reaffirms its commitment to defending press freedom, insisting no journalist should risk safety, freedom, or life for reporting truth. With Nigeria ranking poorly on global press freedom indices, this appeal highlights systemic gaps in journalist protection.
What concrete protections would make journalism safer in your state, and how can citizens hold authorities accountable for attacks on the press?