NUJ FCT Council Demands End to Attacks, Impunity Against Journalists…As the world marks the 2025 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
By Raymond Enoch
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Abuja Nigeria has joined the global media community to commemorate the 2025 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, renewing its call on government authorities, law enforcement agencies, and stakeholders to guarantee the safety, protection, and dignity of journalists across Nigeria.
The Council described this year’s observance as a sober reminder of the persistent threats, harassment, and violence journalists face in the course of their duties, and the alarming lack of accountability for those responsible.
Expressing deep concern over the rising cases of intimidation, unlawful arrests, and physical assaults on media practitioners, the NUJ FCT Council lamented that many such incidents continue to go unpunished.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the Secretary of the Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, condemned all forms of violence and intimidation targeted at journalists, describing them as direct attacks on democracy and freedom of expression.
“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,” the statement read.
The Council urged the Federal Government and security agencies to demonstrate genuine commitment to ending impunity by thoroughly investigating all past and recent attacks on journalists and ensuring that perpetrators, regardless of status or influence, are brought to justice.
It further appealed to both state and non-state actors to respect the constitutional role of journalists and to guarantee their freedom to report without fear or interference, stressing that the prevailing culture of impunity not only endangers journalists but also undermines citizens’ right to know.
“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 statement added.
Reaffirming its unwavering commitment to defending press freedom and promoting journalists’ welfare, the NUJ FCT Council pledged to continue working with relevant partners to ensure that members of the press can perform their duties safely and responsibly.
As the world marks this significant day, the Council paid tribute to journalists who have been harassed, detained, or lost their lives in the pursuit of truth, urging society to honor their sacrifice and uphold the principles for which they stood.
