By: Onwa Ekor
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for an end to impunity for crimes against journalists as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
In a statement to mark the day on Monday, November 2, 2026, NUJ President, Alhassan Yahya, said the union stands in solidarity with media professionals and reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and protecting media workers.
Yahya said journalism remains the bedrock of democracy, holding the powerful accountable and giving voice to the marginalised, yet journalists in Nigeria and globally continue to face intimidation, unlawful arrests, assault, cyberbullying and unprosecuted violence.
“The impunity that surrounds crimes committed against journalists creates a chilling effect on democratic discourse and weakens the rule of law,” he said.
The NUJ called on all arms of government and security agencies to investigate and prosecute all unresolved cases of harassment, attacks and unlawful detention of journalists.
It also demanded legal protection for media professionals against arbitrary arrests and censorship, respect for press freedom as a constitutional right, and safe environments for media workers through safety protocols and emergency support networks.
“A threat to any journalist anywhere is a threat to democratic governance everywhere,” Yahya said, urging civil society and citizens to demand an environment where journalists can operate without fear.
“No journalist should pay with their safety, freedom, or life for reporting the truth,” he added.(News Spec Ng)
