May 03, (THEWILL) — As the international community commemorated World Press Freedom Day, the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project have called on the administration of Bola Tinubu, state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to urgently protect journalists, guarantee press freedom and intensify efforts to end insecurity and impunity across Nigeria.
The call followed a conference and interactive session themed, “The Role of the Media in Promoting People’s Rights, Accountability, and Access to Justice in the Context of Growing Insecurity in Nigeria”, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel as part of activities marking the 2026 World Press Freedom Day.
In a joint statement issued after the event, SERAP and NGE stressed that protecting journalists and safeguarding information integrity remain central to peace, democratic governance and national stability.
The organisations maintained that any credible strategy to address insecurity in Nigeria must include support for free, independent and pluralistic media institutions alongside humanitarian, economic and institutional interventions.
The groups expressed deep concern over the persistent killings, kidnappings, sexual violence, forced displacement and destruction of communities in parts of northern Nigeria, particularly in Benue, Borno, Kwara, Plateau and Sokoto.
According to the organisations, thousands of people have reportedly lost their lives while millions have been displaced by violence, with women and children suffering the most severe consequences.
They stated that the recurring attacks reflected systemic failures by authorities to prevent violence, protect vulnerable communities, investigate abuses, prosecute perpetrators and provide justice for victims.
SERAP and NGE noted that the continuing violations amount to breaches of Nigeria’s obligations under the 1999 Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The groups warned that persistent impunity continues to undermine democratic governance, weaken public trust and worsen humanitarian conditions in affected communities.
Referencing the 2026 World Press Freedom Day theme by UNESCO, “Shaping a Future of Peace”, the organisations said independent journalism remains vital to promoting accountability, peace and sustainable development.
They argued that the suppression of journalists and civic information ecosystems creates an environment where corruption flourishes, accountability declines, and misinformation spreads.
“In such environments, information violence often precedes physical violence, deepening insecurity and undermining public trust in state institutions”, the statement read.
The organisations stressed that protecting journalists is not merely a media issue but an essential requirement for tackling insecurity and strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria.
They recalled that Section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution mandates that the media hold the government accountable, while Section 39 guarantees freedom of expression.
SERAP and NGE urged authorities at all levels to actively create safe conditions for journalists reporting on insecurity, human rights abuses and governance issues.
Among their recommendations, the groups called on the Federal Government, state authorities and the FCT administration to guarantee freedom of expression, protect civic space, ensure ethical and victim-centred reporting and publicly acknowledge that killings, abductions and destruction of property constitute grave human rights violations.
They also demanded prompt, independent investigations into all reported violations, prosecution of perpetrators and sponsors, and effective remedies for victims, including compensation, restitution and rehabilitation.
The organisations further called for improved transparency in security operations and the establishment of public reporting systems to monitor incidents, responses and accountability measures.
In addition, SERAP and NGE urged Nigerian authorities to invite relevant United Nations and African Commission special rapporteurs to conduct independent fact-finding missions into insecurity and associated human rights abuses across northern Nigeria.
The groups also appealed to the National Assembly to convene an urgent public hearing on insecurity and attacks against journalists in line with its constitutional oversight responsibilities.
Speaking during the event, human rights lawyer Femi Falana said impunity remains a major factor fuelling violence across the country.
“Entire communities are being destroyed in several parts of the north while perpetrators operate with little or no consequences. Impunity is not just a failure of justice — it is a driver of further violence”, Falana stated.
He added that governments that fail to protect citizens or hold offenders accountable risk undermining their own legitimacy, noting that journalists remain vital partners in exposing abuses, preventing violence and strengthening democracy.
The conference attracted senior media executives, editors, civil society leaders and stakeholders, all of whom pledged commitment to advancing the recommendations aimed at protecting journalists, strengthening accountability and promoting justice in Nigeria.
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