The International Press Centre, IPC, Lagos-Nigeria has condemned and raised concerns on the targeting of media houses and journalists as a fallout of agitations associated with the #ENDSARS and #ENDSWAT protests in the country.

IPC is particularly irked by arson attack on Television Continental (TVC) on Wednesday October 21, 2020, as well as the molestation of journalists and other media professionals working in the establishment by a mob of yet to be identified persons.

The foremost media resource and training organisation, also frowned at the assault on some security personnel attached to Channels Television which led to an interruption of normal broadcast by the station.

IPC also found worrisome the attack on Toyin Yusuf, a journalist with Osun State Broadcasting Corporation and another member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists by some angry youths in the course of carrying out their reportorial duties in the state.

Also disturbing was the prevention of an Arise TV crew from carrying out their legitimate duty at the Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos, by a group of soldiers and some hoodlums on Wednesday, October 21.

Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, warned that molestation of journalists and other media professionals either by the security agents, mobs or protesters was not acceptable: “The media and journalists have the legitimacy to report the current crisis across the country with a view to bringing truthful account to the citizens and under no circumstances should they be subjected to hardship in the course of doing that. We therefore condemn in totality the various attacks so far recorded and demand that they should stop”.

According to Mr. Arogundade, the security agents should instead of firing live bullets at peaceful protesters or harassing journalists should channel their energy towards arresting and bringing to book all those engaged in arson and destruction of public assets.

He enjoined the security operatives to take necessary actions to ensure a safe environment for journalists and other media professionals to carry out their duties unhindered while enforcing the curfew imposed in Lagos and some other states.

Mr. Arogundade also said it was imperative for journalists covering and reporting the #EndSARS protests and the fall out to stick to the principles of good and conflict sensitive journalism that require balance, shunning of bias, avoidance of hate speech, discipline of verification, fact checking, use of reliable sources, giving voice to victims and the affected, and thorough investigation of claims and counter-claims.