Stop harassing Journalists, NUJ FCT Council tells authorities

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has joined the global community to mark the 2025 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, calling on government authorities and security agencies to take stronger action to protect journalists across Nigeria.

In a statement released in Abuja on Sunday, the Council’s Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, described the persistent attacks, intimidation, and unlawful arrests of journalists as “an assault on democracy and freedom of expression.”

He noted that the growing cases of harassment and violence against media practitioners have often gone unpunished, stressing that “a society that silences its journalists silences the truth. We cannot build a transparent and accountable democracy when those who bring information to the public are constantly harassed, attacked, or unjustly detained.”

The Council urged the Federal Government and security agencies to show genuine commitment by investigating all cases of attacks on journalists and prosecuting those responsible, regardless of their status. It also called on state and non-state actors to respect journalists’ constitutional duties and allow them to report freely without fear or interference.

“Justice for journalists is justice for society. Every attack on a journalist is an attack on truth, accountability, and the people’s right to be informed,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its commitment to defending press freedom and promoting journalists’ welfare, the NUJ FCT Council also paid tribute to reporters who have suffered, been detained, or lost their lives while pursuing the truth, urging society never to forget their sacrifice.

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