SERAP, Editors To Tinubu, Governors: Protect Journalists, End Insecurity

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have urged President Bola Tinubu, state governors and the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to safeguard journalists by upholding press freedom and to address the rising insecurity and human rights violations in northern Nigeria.

The two organisations, which made the calls in a joint statement to mark the World Press Freedom Day, also expressed alarm over escalating violence in states like Benue, Borno, Kwara, Plateau and Sokoto, pointing to rising killings, abductions, sexual violence, displacement and property destruction.

They claimed that thousands have been slain and millions displaced, with women and children most affected.

The statement linked these recurring attacks to systemic failures by authorities to protect citizens, investigate violations, prosecute offenders, and deliver justice.

SERAP and NGE further stated that safeguarding journalists and maintaining information integrity are vital to peace, security, and democracy.

They argued that any effective plan to combat insecurity must support a free, independent, and diverse media alongside humanitarian and economic measures.

The organisations warned that violence against journalists, intimidation, and suppression undermine accountability, enable corruption, and foster misinformation.

They referenced Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which empower the media to hold government accountable and guarantee free expression.

SERAP and NGE urged federal and state authorities to swiftly undertake independent investigations into human rights abuses, prosecute perpetrators and sponsors, and provide compensation, rehabilitation, and justice for victims.

They also called for the National Assembly to hold a public hearing on insecurity and media attacks to reinforce accountability and freedom.

Furthermore, they encouraged Nigerian officials to invite UN and African human rights rapporteurs for independent fact-finding missions in affected regions.

Also at a conference organised by SERAP and NGE on Saturday, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) claimed that the ongoing destruction of communities in northern Nigeria persists largely because perpetrators are rarely punished.

He stated, “Entire communities are being destroyed in several parts of the north while perpetrators operate with little or no consequences. Impunity is not just a failure of justice; it is a driver of further violence.”

The senior lawyer further stressed that the government risks its legitimacy by failing to protect citizens, and that journalists remain essential allies in exposing abuses and bolstering democracy.