She must not be harmed – IPC warns Katsina Police over journalist

The International Press Centre (IPC) has appealed to other national, regional, and international media freedom groups to join forces in ensuring the safety of a Katsina-based journalist, Rukayyah Jibia.

IPC alleged that the life of the journalist, who works with Tambarin Hausa Television in Katsina State, is currently in danger.

IPC explained that Jibia is currently hiding because her life is in danger and urged freedom of expression organisations and human rights bodies to join in the clamour for the safety of the journalist.
The declaration, made in a statement signed by IPC Press Freedom Officer Melody Akinjiyan, expressed concern about reported threats to Jibia’s life, specifically by the Katsina State Police Command public relations officer, Gambo Isah.

The organisation in the statement, made available to newsmen, called for an end to the harassment and arrests of journalists across the country.

The IPC statement reads partly: “IPC is deeply worried about the situation of journalist Rukayyah Jibia and hereby calls on the Nigerian government and the security agencies to ensure that she is not harmed in any way.

“IPC enjoins anyone who may be aggrieved over the alleged action by the journalist to seek redress through legal channels instead of attempting to resort to extra-judicial self-help.

“IPC, therefore, appeals to other national, regional, and international media freedom groups, freedom of expression organisations, and human rights bodies to join in the clamour for her safety, as she is currently hiding because her life is in danger.”