Nigerian Guild Of Editors To Colleagues In Gaza And Around The World: "We Stand In Solidarity With You."

...We're Concerned About Killing Of Journalists - 

The Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, has bemoaned the relentless targeting and killing of journalists in Gaza and elsewhere around the world.

The umbrella body of Nigerian editors spoke against the backdrop of the recent killing of five journalists: Husam al-Masri (Reuters), Mariam Dagga (AP freelance journalist), Mohammad Salama (Al Jazeera), Ahmed Abu Aziz (Middle East Eye), and Moaz Abu Taha, through artillery and missile attacks by Israeli forces.

In a statement jointly signed by the President and Secretary of the Guild Messrs Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh, on Thursday, the editors said these acts are a blatant breach of international law, specifically the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I, which provide for the protection of journalists covering wars.

The NGE stated, “Targeting and killing journalists in Gaza constitutes a war crime and an unacceptable attempt to impede the work of journalists and conceal the truth from war areas.

"We demand an immediate cessation of the targeting and killing of journalists in Gaza and other parts of the world, as well as an end to the war in Gaza.

“The international community must rise up to protect press freedom and ensure that journalists can carry out their work without fear of violence, reprisal, or death.

"We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Gaza and around the world, who risk their lives to bring the world the truth. We praise the bravery and dedication of journalists who continue to report from war zones and dangerous areas.”

It further called for thorough investigations into these unfortunate incidents to ensure that those responsible are held accountable, just as it condemned the recent arrest, harassment, and intimidation of Nigerian journalists, including Azuka Ogujiuba, publisher of Media Room Hub, by the Nigeria Police Force over coverage of a court case.

According to the Guild, Ogunjiuba’s arrest was a clear attempt to silence journalists performing their lawful duties. 

“We demand that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, halt the harassment and intimidation of journalists and respect their constitutional rights.

“We stand with journalists facing intimidation in Nigeria, and we will continue to advocate for the protection of journalists and press freedom,” it added, and urged both the Federal Government and security agencies to uphold press freedom and respect the media’s constitutional right to hold those in authority accountable.