WPFD 2026: SERAP, NGE Raise Alarm Over Killings, Demand Urgent Protection for Journalists

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project and the Nigeria Guild of Editors have issued a stark warning over rising insecurity and attacks on journalists in Nigeria, urging immediate action to safeguard press freedom and human rights.

In a joint statement  signed by Kolawole Oluwadare and Onuoha Ukeh to mark the World Press Freedom Day 2026, the organisations called on the Federal Government, state governors, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to take decisive steps to end widespread violence and protect media professionals operating in high-risk areas.

They stressed that a free, independent, and credible media is central to peace, security, and democratic stability, warning that the erosion of journalism fuels corruption, misinformation, and governance breakdown.

‘Violence, Impunity Undermining Nigeria’

SERAP and NGE expressed deep concern over persistent killings, abductions, and displacement across several northern states, including Benue State, Plateau State, Borno State, Sokoto State, and Kwara State.

They noted that thousands of lives have been lost and millions displaced, describing the situation as evidence of systemic failures to prevent violence, prosecute offenders, and deliver justice to victims.

The groups warned that “information violence often precedes physical violence,” stressing that attacks on journalists and restrictions on civic space further deepen insecurity and erode public trust in state institutions.

Tinubu, Governors Urged to Act

The organisations called on the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other authorities to fulfil their constitutional and international obligations by ensuring accountability, transparency, and protection of fundamental rights.

They emphasised that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees press freedom and mandates the media to hold government accountable, insisting that these protections must be actively enforced.

Demands for Reform, Justice

Among key demands, SERAP and NGE urged authorities to:

Guarantee freedom of expression and protect journalists

Strengthen intelligence-led and community-based security strategies

Conduct independent and transparent investigations into human rights abuses

Prosecute perpetrators and dismantle criminal networks

Provide compensation and support for victims

Improve transparency in security operations

They also called on the National Assembly of Nigeria to convene an urgent public hearing on insecurity and attacks on press freedom.

Call for International Oversight

The groups further urged Nigerian authorities to invite special rapporteurs from the United Nations Human Rights Council and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to carry out fact-finding missions on insecurity and human rights violations.

They appealed to the international community to sustain pressure on Nigeria to uphold its human rights commitments and ensure journalists can operate without fear.