The Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, says the media are being attacked because of the “crucial and significant’’ role they play in the quest to end acts of terrorism.
Maku made the remark on Friday when he visited the office of Thisday Newspapers to commiserate with the organisation over Thursday’s bomb attack.
The minister said that the current spate of bombings was a passing phase in the history of the country.
“This (the attack) is a passing phase in the history of our nation. When a nation comes under attack, it calls for greater courage, commitment and vigilance by all of us.
“The media are very crucial and significant in the efforts to overcome terrorism. We will continue to work together to ensure the end of this phase.''
Maku described the attack on the newspaper house, which killed two of its staff and the suicide bomber, as “unprovoked’’ and urged the media not to be deterred.
He said in spite of the attack, the media must develop an attitude against terror both in their editorial policy and the kind of prominence they gave evil men and their activities.
He called for collaboration between the media and security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property.
It will be recalled that a suicide car bomber forced himself into the premises of Thisday Newspapers office at Jabi District in Abuja on Thursday and rammed into the building, killing himself and two others.
An Amoured Personal Carrier and some men of the police anti-bomb, as well as the rescue team of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and their ambulance were still positioned at the entrance of the office on Friday.
Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in and around major media organisations in Abuja, following the attack.
?