Reporters Without Borders {RSF}, a France-based media body has said that it was dismayed by Thursday’s bombings targeting ThisDay, The Sun and The Moment newspapers in Abuja and the northern city of Kaduna and called on the Nigerian authorities to reinforce security for the media and it’s personnel.
While hailing President Goodluck Jonathan’s pledge to defend press freedom in Nigeria, they urged him to take full stock of the dangers journalists are exposed to.?
“After Thursday’s tragedies and the cold-blooded killings of at least two media personnel in recent months, there is no longer any doubt that the media and journalists are among the targets of those who carry out attacks and bombings in Nigeria.”
“In consultation with media owners and executives, the authorities should adopt concrete measures to ensure that journalists are protected and to reinforce security around news media buildings and offices.”
“We condemn these assaults against the offices of ThisDay, which represent an attack on the fundamental right of all citizens to news and information,” said CPJ Africa Advocacy Coordinator, Mohamed Keita. “Nigerian authorities must do everything in their power to protect news outlets from this new threat.” Reporters Without Borders further said in a statement sent to our Correspondent.
The Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ) condemned the attacks on the affected media houses, calling on the federal government to quickly rise to the safety of Nigerian journalists.