NHRC decries rising attacks on journalists, demands accountability

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has decried the rising cases of attacks on journalists and media organisations, calling for strict accountability for perpetrators.

The commission stressed that safeguarding press freedom remains essential to sustaining democratic governance and ensuring public access to information.

Tony Ojukwu, executive secretary of the commission, made the call in a statement marking World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3.

He emphasised the need to protect media professionals and end the culture of impunity surrounding violations against the press.

Ojukwu described a free, independent and pluralistic media as indispensable to both the protection of human rights and the deepening of democracy.

He noted that strong correlations exist between press freedom and accountable governance, adding that societies where the media operates freely tend to record higher levels of transparency and citizen participation.

He stressed that press freedom is a fundamental right guaranteed under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as under regional and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory.

According to him, attacks on journalists represent a direct assault on democracy and the public’s right to information.

He expressed concern over recurring reports of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, physical assaults and online harassment targeting media practitioners across the country, as well as incidents involving the killing of journalists in the line of duty.

“These violations not only infringe on the rights of victims but also foster a climate of fear and self-censorship, weakening democratic discourse and accountability,” he said.

The NHRC, he disclosed, has commenced systematic tracking and documentation of press freedom violations nationwide. Findings from the exercise will be made public to support transparency, accountability and evidence-based advocacy for the protection of journalists.

Ojukwu urged government at all levels, security agencies and non-state actors to refrain from actions that could hinder the lawful operations of the media.

He called on law enforcement authorities to ensure prompt, thorough and transparent investigations into reported attacks, with perpetrators brought to justice.

He warned that failure to act decisively against such violations could embolden further abuses and erode public trust.

Ojukwu also charged journalists to uphold professional ethics and remain committed to truth, while calling on citizens to defend press freedom as a collective responsibility and a cornerstone of democratic society.