The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed grave concern over the continued targeting and killing of journalists in Gaza, describing the incidents as a flagrant violation of international law and a threat to press freedom globally.
In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, NGE President Eze Anaba condemned the recent killings of five journalists — Husam al-Masri (Reuters), Mariam Dagga (freelance journalist for AP), Mohammad Salama (Al Jazeera), Ahmed Abu Aziz (Middle East Eye), and Moaz Abu Taha — allegedly by Israeli forces through artillery and missile strikes.
“These heinous acts are a blatant breach of international law, specifically the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I, which provide for the protection of journalists covering wars,” Anaba said.
“Targeting and killing journalists in Gaza constitutes a war crime and an unacceptable attempt to impede the work of journalists and conceal the truth from war areas.”
The Guild called for an immediate end to the targeting of journalists in Gaza and urged global leaders and institutions to ensure thorough investigations into these killings.
It emphasised that those responsible must be held accountable under international law.
“The international community must rise to protect press freedom and ensure that journalists can carry out their work without fear of violence, reprisal, or death,” the statement added.
NGE also voiced solidarity with journalists reporting from war zones and paid tribute to their courage and commitment to truth-telling in the face of grave danger.
On the domestic front, the Guild condemned what it described as increasing harassment and intimidation of journalists in Nigeria, citing the recent arrest of Azuka Ogujiuba, publisher of Media Room Hub, by the Nigeria Police Force.
Ogujiuba was reportedly detained over coverage of an ongoing court case.
“This is a clear attempt to silence journalists performing their lawful duties,” Anaba said. “We demand that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, halt the harassment and intimidation of journalists and respect their constitutional rights.”
The Guild reiterated its call for government and security agencies to uphold press freedom, warning that continued repression of journalists undermines democracy and transparency.
The Guild stated, “We stand with journalists facing intimidation in Nigeria and will continue to advocate for the protection of journalists and press freedom.”
