The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing targeting and killing of journalists in Gaza. The organization strongly condemned the recent deaths of five journalists - Husam al-Masri of Reuters; freelance journalist Mariam Dagga of AP; Mohammad Salama of Al Jazeera; Ahmed Abu Aziz of Middle East Eye; and Moaz Abu Taha - killed in artillery and missile attacks by Israeli forces.
The NGE described these killings as heinous acts that violate international law, specifically citing breaches of the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I, which safeguard journalists reporting from conflict zones.
The guild emphasized that deliberately targeting journalists constitutes a war crime and is an unacceptable effort to obstruct media coverage and conceal the realities of war.
The NGE called for urgent international action to protect journalists and uphold the principles of press freedom in conflict areas.
Below is full text of the press statement jointly signed by the Guild’s president, Eze Anaba and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh on August 28, 2025:
“The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) expresses deep concern over the relentless targeting and killing of journalists in Gaza.
“We strongly condemn the recent killing of five journalists: Husam al-Masri (Reuters), Mariam Dagga (AP freelance journalist), Mohammad Salama (Al Jazeera), Ahmed Abu Aziz (Middle East Eye), and Moaz Abu Taha, through artillery and missile attacks by Israeli forces.
“These heinous acts are a blatant breach of international law, specifically the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I, which provide for the protection of journalists covering wars.
“Targeting and killing journalists in Gaza constitutes a war crime and an unacceptable attempt to impede the work of journalists and conceal the truth from war areas.
“We demand an immediate cessation of the targeting and killing of journalists in Gaza and other parts of the world, as well as an end to the war in Gaza.
“We call for thorough investigations into these unfortunate incidents and for those responsible to be held accountable.
“The international community must rise up to protect press freedom and ensure that journalists can carry out their work without fear of violence, reprisal, or death.
“We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Gaza and around the world, who risk their lives to bring the world the truth. We praise the bravery and dedication of journalists who continue to report from war zones and dangerous areas.
“The Guild also condemn the recent arrest, harassment, and intimidation of Nigerian journalists, including Azuka Ogujiuba, publisher of Media Room Hub, by the Nigeria Police Force over coverage of a court case.
“This is a clear attempt to silence journalists performing their lawful duties. We demand that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, halt the harassment and intimidation of journalists and respect their constitutional rights.
“We urge the government and security agencies to uphold press freedom and respect the media's constitutional right to hold those in authority accountable.
“We stand with journalists facing intimidation in Nigeria, and we will continue to advocate for the protection of journalists and press freedom.
0 comments:
Post a Comment