By Divine Sam

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take urgent steps to protect journalists and put an end to the growing cases of attacks against media professionals across the country.

The union raised the concern in a statement issued by its President, Alhassan Yahya, to commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, observed annually on November 2.

Yahya expressed concern over the persistent threats facing journalists in the discharge of their professional responsibilities, including intimidation, unlawful arrests, physical assaults, cyberbullying and other forms of harassment.

He warned that allowing perpetrators of such attacks to go unpunished could have serious consequences for press freedom and the country’s democratic institutions.

“Failure to prosecute those responsible for such attacks poses a serious threat to press freedom, undermines the rule of law and weakens democratic governance,” he said.

The NUJ urged security agencies to recognise and respect the constitutional responsibilities of journalists, noting that the media should be regarded as partners in promoting transparency, accountability and democratic development rather than treated as adversaries.

The union also appealed to government agencies, media organisations, civil society groups and international partners to work together to establish stronger safety measures and emergency support systems for journalists, particularly those reporting from conflict-prone and high-risk communities.

Reaffirming its commitment to defending press freedom, the NUJ maintained that journalists must be able to carry out their duties without fear of intimidation, violence or unlawful detention.

It stressed that no media professional should be forced to put their safety, freedom or life on the line simply for reporting the truth.