The International Press Institute has called on the Nigerian government to ensure security of media outlets and journalists after attacks of offices of five media houses in Lagos.
Offices of the Nation newspaper, Television Continental, radio broadcasters Radio Lagos, Eko FM and Traffic FM were attacked and buildings set on fire on Wednesday during wild demonstrations that have trailed the ENDSARS protest.
“We condemn in the strongest terms possible the wanton destruction of media assets by protesters”, IPI Nigeria National Committee Chair Kabiru Yusuf said.
“While we recognise the right of any aggrieved Nigerian to seek redress through lawful means, including peaceful protests, assault on media houses is dangerous and unacceptable.”
IPI is a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists for press freedom.
The ENDSARS protest against police brutality has been for two weeks.
Protestors set fire to the office of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation, on Wednesday evening after invading the premises.
Some of the vehicles parked in the premises were also set afire and the intruders looted computers and other office equipment, Managing Director and Editor-inChief Victor Ifijeh said in a statement.
Similarly, attackers set ablaze the office of TVC Network in another part of Lagos.
The offices of Radio Lagos, Eko FM and Traffic FM were also attacked.
Meanwhile, another prominent TV network, Channels TV, briefly went off air fearing attack by protestors.
“The government should immediately provide security to all media organizations and ensure the safety of journalists in Lagos and in other parts of the country where protests are taking place”, IPI Director of Advocacy Ravi Prasad said.
“It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that journalists and media outlets can do their job in reporting on events of public interest without fear.”
