Nigerian authorities have been charged to ensure that journalists are able to do their jobs freely and safely while covering the ongoing protests against police brutality in the country.

The Committee to Protect Journalists, CPJ made the call in a statement issued today about the recent development where journalists and media organisations were being attacked in Nigeria by security agents and hoodlums.

The statement reads: “In recent days, local media have reported violence against protesters and journalists during the demonstrations in Nigeria, which began as a movement to disband the police’s Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

“Journalists in Nigeria must be permitted to freely report on demonstrations without threat of violence or intimidation,” said Angela Quintal, CPJ’s Africa program coordinator.

According to CPJ, journalists in Nigeria were too often attacked simply for working to keep the Nigerian public and the world informed about what is happening in their country.

Angela Quintal described Journalists’ safety as part of what it means to have freedom of the press, which is critical for Nigerian democracy.

CPJ recalled that in 2019 and 2020, at least two journalists–Precious Owolabi and Alex Ogbu–were killed at protests in Nigeria, according to CPJ research.

CPJ has also said that it has documented a years-long pattern of violence, arrests, and harassment of the press by Nigerian security forces, including the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad.