#EndSARS: IMS Condemns Attacks on Media Houses, Journalists
The Institute for Media and Society, IMS, has expressed worry over the unleashing of terror on media organisations and the wanton destruction of property in Lagos during the #ENDSARS protests.
The institute said on Wednesday, 21 October, several notable media organisations in Lagos State were attacked. Television Continental, popularly called TVC, Max Radio, The Nation Newspaper and Lagos Television were attacked by hoodlums with offices of TVC and the Nation Newspaper set ablaze by the hoodlums.
A statement issued by Institute for Media and Society Executive Director Dr Akin Akingbulu and sent to Press Men on Thursday said the Lagos Television, LTV,
was also attacked with cars within the premises damaged.
‘’We also received reports of journalists being attacked while on duty covering the protests. Ayo Makinde of Channels TV was attacked by hoodlums while reporting live the setting ablaze of TVC office in Ketu, Lagos. We also note that two Punch Newspaper journalists Segun Odunayo and Femi Daudu were attacked while covering the protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Alausa. These attacks are totally uncalled for, ‘’said the statement.
‘’While we support peaceful protests by citizens, a constitutionally- recognized right, we are opposed to the violation of people’s rights, including attacks on media organisations and their workers.’’
‘’We like to state a reminder that the media are an important and indispensable institution in our country. Little wonder that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria mandates it to monitor governance on behalf of the people.’’
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The statement said the attack on the media, in any form, is an attack on the performance of this function as it is a derogation on the right of individual journalists and other media workers.
‘’It is common knowledge that the media have done well in the coverage of the #ENDSARS protests. The coverage has been generally rich and professional.’’
‘’Our take is that the media deserve commendation and encouragement to take this quality of coverage to greater heights rather than being brought down as the attackers have done during the past few days.’’
‘’The task of strengthening the media at this time is one that must be done, with stakeholders playing various roles.’’
According to the statement, IMS urged the government to launch an investigation into these cases of attack, destruction, and ensure that perpetrators of these acts against media houses and their workers are brought to justice.
Also to visit the affected media organisations, assess the scale of damage and support them to rebuild and return to operations.
It similarly urged security agents to fish out the perpetrators of the attacks, follow up with sanctions and provide appropriate remedies to the media houses and journalists whose rights have been violated by their(security agencies’) operatives during the #ENDSARS protest.
While also in the statement calling on industry Professional and Civil Society Groups to give solidarity to the affected media outlets and journalists. Conduct a collaborative assessment of the damage done to the affected media organizations and develop an industry Response or strategy informed by the assessment.
It appeals to the Media and Journalists to remain consistent in Professionalism despite the challenges of this period and prioritise safety consciousness and measures at all times.
