The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have called on the Federal Government, state governors, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to urgently protect journalists and address worsening insecurity and human rights violations across parts of northern Nigeria.
The appeal covers states including Benue, Borno, Kwara, Plateau, and Sokoto, where the groups said insecurity and human rights abuses have continued to escalate.
In a joint statement, the organisations stressed that protecting journalists and safeguarding information integrity are critical to sustaining peace, security, and democratic stability in the country.
They noted that attacks on journalists and shrinking civic space pose serious threats to accountability and good governance, warning that a free press is essential in exposing abuses and strengthening democratic institutions.
SERAP and NGE expressed concern over persistent violence, including killings, abductions, and displacement of communities, which they said have worsened humanitarian conditions in affected regions.
According to the groups, these violations reflect deeper systemic failures in preventing violence, prosecuting perpetrators, and ensuring justice for victims.
They further urged authorities at all levels to take concrete steps to end impunity, improve security responses, and guarantee the safety of media professionals operating in conflict-prone areas.
The statement reiterated that “protecting journalists and safeguarding information integrity are central drivers of peace, security, and democratic stability,” adding that any credible national security strategy must include strong protection for the media and civic space.
