BY Taiwo Adebulu
The Coalition for Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) has condemned the killing of Precious Owolabi, a Channels Television reporter.
Owolabi, 23-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was shot at the scene of the clash between members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), better known as Shiites and the police.
The group demanded immediate action to be taken to investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of “this heinous act”.
“The death of the 23-year-old Mr Owolabi in the line of duty and the over 300 recorded cases of attacks on the press as reported by the Press Attack Tracker underscores the several demands that the coalition has made for better protection of journalists while performing their constitutionally guaranteed functions,” he said.
“The increasing attacks on journalists encroach on the freedom of the press and it behoves the government and other stakeholders to conscientiously work towards laws and provisions that will guarantee the safety and security of journalists in the line of duty. Failure to do this is a slight on any democratic society and a disservice to journalism, a profession that is fundamental to sustaining democracy.
“The Coalition for Whistleblower Protection and Press Freedom calls on all relevant authorities to ensure justice is served in the case of the wrongful death of Mr Owolabi and anyone or group of persons found complicit be tried to the full extent of the law and brought to book.
“The coalition also demands that Journalists in the line of duty especially covering conflict and humanitarian issues should be provided with security kits, journalists deserves to be protected. The coalition sympathises with the family of this fallen hero and demands justice.”
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