IFJ condemns killing of Nigerian journalist

Dakar, Senegal (PANA) – The press freedom watchdog, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Tuesday condemned the killing of Nigerian journalist, Enenche Akogwu, in Kano, northern Nigeria.

According to IFJ, Enenche, a reporter with the privately-owned Channels Television station, was gunned down on Friday, 20 January.

"We condemn this latest killing which shows that journalists in Nigeria need adequate protection in the face of increasing risks," Gabriel Baglo, the IFJ Africa Director, was quoted as saying.

"Our Nigerian colleagues have been confronted with a wave of brutal killings over the past few years, while the perpetrators of these heinous crimes remain at large," Baglo said.

The press freedom watchdog recalled that about three months ago, another Nigerian journalist, Zakariya Isa of the State-owned Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), was shot and killed in front of his house by members of the Boka Haram Sect in Maiduguri, the capital of the north eastern Borno State.

IFJ therefore reiterates its stand that violence against journalists should not be tolerated  while calling on the Nigerian Federal Government to redouble its efforts in ensuring public order.

"Efforts must be made to punish crimes, including violence targeting journalists. The Nigerian Government must take the safety and protection of journalists seriously," IFJ said.
-0- PANA MLJ/VAO 25Jan2011