Nigeria: Police Hit Mary Adeboye with Teargas Canister, WPF Condemns Targeting of Press During Protests
Over 30 journalists harassed by both security forces and protesters during nationwide unrest
Location: Nigeria
Date: August 1 - 10, 2024
Women Press Freedom is deeply concerned about the alarming violence and harassment faced by Nigerian journalists covering the nationwide cost-of-living protests. The #EndBadGovernance demonstrations have led to unrest across multiple cities, resulting in attacks on over 30 journalists, including Mary Adeboye of News Central Television. Journalists covering these anti-government protests have primarily been targeted by security forces, who are responsible for most of the assaults, arrests, harassment, and interference. In addition, pro-government demonstrators have also attacked journalists, aiming to prevent them from reporting on the protests and the government's response. We demand accountability and disciplinary action against those responsible for these attacks on the press. Nigerian security forces must protect journalists, not obstruct their work.
On August 1, 2024, Mary Adeboye, a reporter for News Central Television, was struck by a teargas canister fired by police while covering the #EndBadGovernance protest at Eagle Square in Abuja.
Despite not being directly amidst the protesters, Adeboye was targeted as she tried to escape the chaos. The canister hit her leg, causing severe pain and rendering her unable to walk.
Adeboye described the incident to SaharaReporters, "I was not standing close to the protesters. I was standing beside them when they were shooting the teargas. While moving, I saw the policeman who shot the tear gas, and it hit my leg. The pain is too much for me. It's unbearable." She credited her rubber shoes for preventing more severe injuries, although she remains in significant pain.
Between August 1 and 10, 2024, at least 31 journalists were attacked or faced interference while reporting on the demonstrations across Nigeria. protests. Journalists in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Cross River, and Delta states faced physical assaults, arrests, and equipment destruction.
The #EndBadGovernance protests were sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with the government's policies, including the removal of petrol subsidies and rising living costs. Protesters voiced their frustrations through street demonstrations across various Nigerian cities, making 13 demands to the government. The protests were marked by violence, with reported deaths and widespread looting. Security forces were accused of using excessive force, including tear gas and alleged extra-judicial killings. Despite these challenges, organizers claimed the protests were successful in highlighting the grievances of the Nigerian people.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the attacks on journalists covering demonstrations. Journalists like Mary Adeboye must be free to report without fear of being targeted by police or security services. It is completely unacceptable that journalists have been assaulted, detained, and obstructed while trying to cover protests. We demand immediate accountability from Nigerian authorities. Those responsible for targeting journalists must be disciplined, and the Inspector General of Police must promptly investigate all attacks on press workers. We urge the government to use this moment as a turning point, ensuring that law enforcement is fully trained to respect the role of the press during any future unrest.
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The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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