The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed worry over the persistent targeting and killing of journalists in Gaza, describing the attacks as blatant violations of international law and an assault on press freedom.
NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, in a statement condemned the recent killing of five journalists, Husam al-Masri (Reuters), Mariam Dagga (AP freelance), Mohammad Salama (Al Jazeera), Ahmed Abu Aziz (Middle East Eye), and Moaz Abu Taha in artillery and missile strikes by Israeli forces.
The statement described the attack as heinous acts and a clear breach of the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I, which provide for the protection of journalists covering wars, noting that 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.
The Guild demanded an immediate end to the targeting of journalists and called for thorough investigations to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
It further urged the international community to take decisive action to safeguard press freedom and protect journalists working in conflict zones.
While assuring of its solidarity with journalists in Gaza and around the world, who risk their lives to bring the truth,” the Guild, praised the courage of journalists reporting from war zones.
The NGE also condemned recent cases of harassment of Nigerian journalists, citing the arrest of Azuka Ogujiuba, publisher of Media Room Hub, by the Nigeria Police Force over her coverage of a court case.
It demanded that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, immediately halt the intimidation of journalists and respect their constitutional rights, calling on the government and security agencies to uphold the media’s constitutional role in holding leaders accountable.