Dare Babalola
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed deep concern over the recent killing of five journalists in Gaza, namely Husam al-Masri, Mariam Dagga, Mohammad Salama, Ahmed Abu Aziz, and Moaz Abu Taha, through artillery and missile attacks by Israeli forces.
In a statement signed by Eze Anaba, the guild’s President, and its General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, on Thursday the Nigerian editors condemned the acts, “which constitute a blatant breach of international law and a war crime.”
Demanding that killing of journalists in Gaza and other parts of the world should cease, the guild also called for the war to end.
The body added, “The NGE calls for thorough investigations into these incidents and for those responsible to be held accountable. The international community must take action to protect press freedom and ensure that journalists can carry out their work without fear of violence or death.”
In a related matter, the NGE condemned the “recent arrest, harassment, and intimidation of Nigerian journalists, including Azuka Ogujiuba, publisher of Media Room Hub, by the Nigeria Police Force”.
The body called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to halt the harassment and intimidation of journalists and respect their constitutional rights.
The statement added, “The NGE urges the government and security agencies to uphold press freedom and respect the media’s constitutional right to hold those in authority accountable. The Guild stands in solidarity with journalists facing intimidation in Nigeria and around the world, and will continue to advocate for the protection of journalists and press freedom.”
