•Musikilu Mojeed
The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has condemned in strong terms the deployment of excessive force against journalists covering the nationwide protests.
Journalists covering the #EndBadGovernance protests in Abuja, Nigeria, narrowly escaped injury when security agents opened fire on them at the Moshood Abiola Stadium on August 3, 2024.
The IPI Nigeria has condemned the attack and also called for an immediate investigation.
Eyewitnesses report that hooded security personnel, believed to be from the police and State Security Service, fired live ammunition at clearly identified members of the press. The journalists, wearing vests marked “PRESS” and driving vehicles with press identifications, were targeted twice within minutes, suggesting a premeditated assault.
The shooting happened at the main entrance of the stadium.
This alarming incident follows a statement by the Chief of Defence Staff discouraging media coverage of the protests, raising concerns about press freedom and democratic values in Nigeria.
IPI Nigeria President Musikilu Mojeed and Legal Adviser Tobi Soniyi denounced the attack as “a wild shot at our democracy.” They demanded swift action to identify and punish those responsible, while stressing the media’s constitutional right to report on public events without fear of intimidation or violence.
As tensions rise, this attack on the press underscores the volatile situation surrounding the nationwide protests. The incident has sparked outrage among human rights organisations and press freedom advocates, who view it as a dangerous escalation in the suppression of free speech and media independence in Nigeria.