By Queen Kunde
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has issued a strong call for an end to rising attacks, harassment, and impunity against journalists across the country, as the world marks the 2025 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
In a statement signed by the Council’s Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ described continued violence and intimidation against media practitioners as a grave threat to democracy, press freedom, and the public’s right to know.
“A society that silences its journalists silences the truth. We cannot build a transparent and accountable democracy when those who bring information to the public are constantly harassed, attacked, or unjustly detained,” Oyekunle said.
The Council decried the increasing cases of intimidation, unlawful arrests, and physical assaults on journalists, lamenting that most perpetrators walk free without consequences. It urged the Federal Government and security agencies to demonstrate genuine commitment to justice by thoroughly investigating all past and recent attacks and prosecuting offenders regardless of their status or influence.
The NUJ emphasized that protecting journalists is not just a professional necessity but a constitutional duty, stressing that impunity erodes accountability and undermines democracy.
“Justice for journalists is justice for society. Every attack on a journalist is an attack on truth, accountability, and the people’s right to be informed,” the Council stated.
While reaffirming its commitment to defending press freedom and promoting journalists’ welfare, the Council also paid tribute to reporters who have been detained, brutalized, or lost their lives in the line of duty, urging the public never to forget their sacrifices.
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, observed annually on November 2, serves as a global reminder of the urgent need to protect journalists and end the culture of silence and impunity surrounding crimes committed against them.
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