IPC, NUJ condemn killing of Bayelsa journalist, call for urgent investigation

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, has condemned the brutal murder of a journalist, Mr. Famous Giobaro of Bayelsa State-owned radio station, Glory FM 97.1, who was shot dead by unknown gunmen at his residence on Easter day.

Giobaro, who worked as a Desk Editor in the station, was reportedly attacked in his house located in a mini estate on INEC Road, Yenagoa, the state capital, by unknown gunmen, who broke into his apartment around 5a.m. and shot him many times in the stomach at close range and left without stealing anything. It was gathered that the killers gained access to his house by climbing the fence through a ladder after cutting the barbwires.

Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, in a statement yesterday, said the killing of the journalist brings to the fore serious concerns about the safety of journalists in Nigeria.

“We are calling on Bayelsa State Government to show commitment and investigate the alleged assassination of journalist, Giobaro, who is a staff of the state government. This is one incident that should not be allowed to lie low and we also call on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the matter with a sense of urgency,” Arogundade stated.

According to Arogundade, the killing has again reinforced IPC’s belief that journalists are under threat in Nigeria, noting, “We have had many unresolved issues with journalists in recent past and it will be a rape on democracy under this dispensation if a journalist can just be gunned down in such a manner.”

He sympathised with family members of the journalist and the Bayelsa State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists in particular.Also reacting yesterday was the chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos chapter, Mr. Deji Elumoye, who told The Guardian that he was saddened by the development, adding, “We hope that the security agents are able to fish out the killers; this also shows that journalists are not safe in this country.”

Elumoye called on the government to put adequate security measures in place to curb the inhuman act, noting, “The Bayelsa State Government must ensure that the killers are brought to book, and ensure that the lives of journalists are insured.”The chairman, however, advised journalists not to relent but strive to ensure balance in their reportage.