Over 17 Journalists Killed In Israel-Iran, Ukraine-Russia Wars – Ex-Rep

A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke, has said 17 journalists have been killed in the ongoing wars between Israel and Iran as well as Ukraine and Russia.

Nwuke, who is also a journalist and publisher disclosed this at an event to mark the 2026 World Press Freedom Day in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

He expressed fears that despite the presence of democracy in Nigeria, the practice of journalism profession is still risky as those who are supposed to protect journalists are not living up to expectation.

“In the profession, we are guided by rule, which we call ethics and we are guided by the laws of the land. Together, they give firm expression to what our role is. Over the years, aspects of our constitution has been changed but what haven’t changed are those provisions.

“As the Israeli-Iranian and Ukraine-Russia wars are raging, not fewer than 17 journalists have been killed in action, targeted deliberately by forces loyal to countries.

“It shows you how much this journalism profession can be exposed and we pray to God as Nigeria builds its democracy, that journalists will not be at the recieving end. Because we have seen attitudinal problem, not just the way we practice our democracy but in the way those who should defend democracy are reacting to issues.

“So, a man was granting an interview in Port Harcourt some time ago and some hoodlums went there, even though it was a hotel, assaulted him and took away media property. It shows you there is a rising tendency in tolerance and growing disregard for those fundamental rights those of us here cherish and protect.

“It is our responsibility as media to guarantee accountability on the part of government. It is our responsibility as media to ensure that there is a relationship between the governed and the government and above all, to ensure that society is enlightened, that society is properly educated and that there is a carry on of business and commerce,” Nwuke said.