In a strong joint statement, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) have called on the Federal Government, state governors, and FCT authorities to urgently protect journalists and tackle Nigeria’s deepening insecurity.
The groups warned that attacks on media professionals, shrinking civic space, and unchecked human rights abuses are weakening democracy and allowing corruption and misinformation to thrive.
They stressed that a free, independent press isn’t optional—it’s central to peace, security, and national stability.
According to them, killings, abductions, and destruction across parts of northern Nigeria—including Benue, Plateau, Borno, Sokoto, and Kwara—highlight systemic failures in protecting lives and ensuring justice.
The statement noted that when journalists are intimidated or silenced, accountability collapses—and violence often follows.
SERAP and NGE urged authorities to:
- Guarantee press freedom and freedom of expression
- Protect journalists and civic space
- Investigate and prosecute human rights violations
- Strengthen intelligence-led and community-based security
- Ensure justice and compensation for victims
They also pushed for greater transparency in security operations and called for stronger legal frameworks to prevent future abuses.
Beyond Nigeria, they urged the international community to mount pressure on authorities and support efforts to safeguard journalists and human rights defenders.
They further recommended inviting UN and African human rights bodies to investigate and document the scale of violations across the country.
Their message is clear: without a protected press, there can be no real accountability—and without accountability, insecurity will persist.
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