NGE condemns Israel’s killing of journalists in Gaza

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed deep concern over the relentless targeting and killing of journalists in Gaza.

A statement by Eze Anaba, President,  NGE, and Onuoha Ukeh, General Secretary,  dated August 28, 2025, stated that, “We strongly condemn the recent killing of five journalists: Husam al-Masri (Reuters), Mariam Dagga (AP freelance journalist), Mohammad Salama (Al Jazeera), Ahmed Abu Aziz (Middle East Eye), and Moaz Abu Taha, through artillery and missile attacks by Israeli forces.

“These heinous acts are a blatant breach of international law, specifically the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I, which provide for the protection of journalists covering wars.

“Targeting and killing journalists in Gaza constitutes a war crime and an unacceptable attempt to impede the work of journalists and conceal the truth from war areas.

“We demand an immediate cessation of the targeting and killing of journalists in Gaza and other parts of the world, as well as an end to the war in Gaza.

“We call for thorough investigations into these unfortunate incidents and for those responsible to be held accountable.”

The statement urged the international community to rise up to protect press freedom and ensure that journalists can carry out their work without fear of violence, reprisal, or death.

“We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Gaza and around the world, who risk their lives to bring the world the truth. We praise the bravery and dedication of journalists who continue to report from war zones and dangerous areas,” the NGE said.

The Guild also condemned the recent arrest, harassment, and intimidation of Nigerian journalists, including Azuka Ogujiuba, publisher of Media Room Hub, by the Nigeria Police Force over coverage of a court case.

“This is a clear attempt to silence journalists performing their lawful duties. We demand that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, halt the harassment and intimidation of journalists and respect their constitutional rights.

“We urge the government and security agencies to uphold press freedom and respect the media’s constitutional right to hold those in authority accountable.

“We stand with journalists facing intimidation in Nigeria, and we will continue to advocate for the protection of journalists and press freedom,” the NGE stated.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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