The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has called for an investigation into the shooting of journalists covering protests in Abuja on Saturday.
“The shooting also appeared premeditated, as journalists were specifically targeted and shot twice within minutes,” the organization said in a statement Sunday.
The statement said security agents shot the journalists twice, but PREMIUM TIMES journalists said they were attacked with live ammunition three times.
Read IPI Nigeria's full statement here.
PRESS RELEASE
August 4, 2024
IPI NIGERIA DEMANDS INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION OF SECURITY OFFICERS WHO FIRED BULLETS AT JOURNALISTS
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The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has strongly condemned the use of excessive force against journalists covering the nationwide protests.
On Saturday, August 3, 2024, several journalists covering the #EndBadGovernance protests were shot at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja by masked security agents. The journalists narrowly escaped unharmed, but bullets damaged one of their cars.
The shooting occurred at the main entrance of the stadium.
The firing of suspected live ammunition is unacceptable and strongly condemned.
The shooting also appeared premeditated, as journalists were specifically targeted and shot twice within minutes.
Security agencies knew where journalists were gathering. Many of them wore vests with the word PRESS written on them in bold. Many had cameras and drove vehicles with the word PRESS written on them.
Saturday's shooting is all the more worrying because it came a day after the Chief of the Defence Staff said on live television that journalists should stop giving publicity to the protesters.
READ ALSO: #EndBadGovernance: How journalists escaped death during Abuja protests
IPI calls for an immediate investigation into the shooting of journalists at the stadium. The officers involved, who are believed to be members of the police and the State Security Service, must be identified and punished.
The media has a responsibility to cover the ongoing protests across the country, and journalists must be allowed to perform their constitutionally mandated role without interference or intimidation from anyone.
Targeting and shooting journalists who are fulfilling their legal duties is tantamount to shooting at our democracy and must be condemned by all.
Musikilu MojeedPresidentIPI Nigeria
Tobi SoniyiLegal advisorIPI Nigeria