Journalism Under Siege: Base Sunrise Marks International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists

As the world marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Segun shared deeply personal experiences that shed light on the dangers, lack of protection, and emotional toll faced by those in the media profession. Segun emphasized that the root of the crisis lies in impunity, the consistent failure to hold perpetrators accountable for violence against journalists. “The major reason these attacks persist,” he noted, “is because those responsible are never investigated or punished.” Both international and local media watchdogs have long confirmed this disturbing trend: in nearly all cases of journalist killings, harassment, or intimidation in Nigeria, justice is never served. This entrenched culture of impunity, Segun warned, emboldens aggressors and silences truth-tellers. Beyond the physical threats, the journalist spoke about the psychological burden of working under constant danger. He described how this climate of fear has created a “chilling effect” where journalists are forced into self-censorship to avoid detention, harm, or even death. “When your personal safety is at stake,” he explained, “you begin to question whether reporting the truth is worth the risk. And when that happens, the public suffers—because a less-informed public means a weaker democracy.” Segun James also recounted harrowing personal experiences from the field—including witnessing a colleague’s assassination while on duty and facing physical violence after publishing a story about a state governor. “The governor called me a ‘terrorist journalist’ just because I wrote the truth,” he recalled. “He didn’t even bother to report me to my organization because he knew the facts were correct.” He went on to reveal that such confrontations have forced him to tone down his reporting and avoid certain assignments, not out of fear of exposure, but simply to stay alive. Segun further highlighted the economic struggles many Nigerian journalists face, stressing that poor pay and lack of insurance or institutional protection make an already risky job even more dangerous. Host Chacha echoed his sentiments, reminding listeners that journalism is more than a profession; it is a public service. “Journalism isn’t just a job,” she said. “It’s a social service that holds power accountable and keeps society informed.” Segun agreed, adding that while the tools of journalism have evolved from fax machines to laptops and mobile phones, the most urgent transformation must happen in education. “Not everyone sharing information online is a journalist,” he cautioned. “There’s a thin line between citizen reporting and professional journalism, and that line is fading fast. We need education and regulation to preserve the credibility of the profession.” As the conversation closed, both Segun and Chacha called for stronger laws to protect journalists and hold attackers accountable. Their discussion served as a sobering reminder that without safety, fairness, and freedom for the press, democracy itself remains under threat.