World Press Freedom Day 2026: NHRC Demands Zero Tolerance for Attacks on Journalists

By: Michael Mike

As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark World Press Freedom Day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong call for zero tolerance against attacks on journalists, warning that press repression poses a direct threat to democracy.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, said a free and independent media remains the “lifeblood” of any democratic society.

In a statement commemorating the 2026 observance, he stressed that press freedom is not a privilege but a fundamental right guaranteed under Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights obligations.

Ojukwu underscored the intrinsic link between a vibrant press and democratic governance, noting that societies where journalists operate freely tend to experience greater accountability, transparency, and citizen participation. Conversely, he warned that any attempt to silence the media undermines public trust and weakens democratic institutions.

“Every threat to a journalist constitutes a direct attack on democracy and the public’s right to know,” he stated, expressing concern over persistent cases of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, assaults, and online harassment targeting media practitioners across Nigeria.

The NHRC boss also condemned the killing of journalists in the line of duty, describing such incidents as grave violations that foster fear and self-censorship within the media space. According to him, these trends erode the quality of public discourse and hinder the media’s watchdog role.

In response, the Commission has begun systematic tracking and documentation of press freedom violations nationwide. Ojukwu said the findings will be made public to support evidence-based advocacy and strengthen accountability mechanisms for the protection of journalists.

He urged government authorities, security agencies, and non-state actors to refrain from actions that hinder lawful media operations, while calling on law enforcement bodies to conduct prompt and transparent investigations into all reported cases of abuse.

“Silence in the face of attacks on journalists emboldens further violations and erodes public trust,” he warned.

Ojukwu also challenged journalists to uphold professional ethics and remain committed to truth and public interest reporting, even in the face of mounting pressures.

He further called on Nigerians to actively defend press freedom, describing it as a shared responsibility and a cornerstone for safeguarding all other rights in a democratic society.

The annual observance of World Press Freedom Day serves as a global reminder of the importance of a free press and the need to protect media practitioners who risk their lives to inform the public.

World Press Freedom Day 2026: NHRC Demands Zero Tolerance for Attacks on Journalists

Abuja Hosts Groundbreaking Forum on Peacebuilding and Climate Resilience

By: Michael Mike

Abuja is set to become the centre of a critical global conversation as policymakers, climate experts and peacebuilding practitioners converge for the 2026 Peer Learning Forum on Peacebuilding and National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Processes, opening on May 5 at the Abuja Continental Hotel.

The three-day forum, co-hosted by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the NAP Global Network, is drawing participants from across Africa and beyond at a time when the intersection between climate change and conflict is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. From the shrinking Lake Chad Basin to farmer-herder tensions worsened by erratic rainfall, Nigeria itself sits at the frontline of climate-induced security challenges.

The forum comes against a growing global recognition that climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a threat multiplier. Across the Sahel and other fragile regions, rising temperatures, desertification and resource scarcity have intensified competition over land and water, often fuelling violence and displacement. Governments are now under pressure to design adaptation strategies that do more than protect ecosystems—they must also stabilise communities and prevent conflict.

It is within this context that National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) have emerged as a key policy tool under international climate frameworks, enabling countries to identify vulnerabilities, prioritise interventions and build long-term resilience. However, experts have increasingly argued that traditional adaptation planning has not sufficiently accounted for conflict dynamics, particularly in fragile and violence-affected settings.

Bringing together representatives of African country NAP teams, ministries responsible for environment, security and peacebuilding, as well as technical experts and development partners, the gathering aims to rethink how adaptation policies are designed and implemented. Discussions are expected to focus on the realities of implementing NAP processes in conflict-prone regions, where weak institutions, insecurity and limited resources often undermine well-laid plans.

Participants will also examine how climate adaptation efforts can be deliberately aligned with peacebuilding strategies. This includes showcasing practical examples where interventions such as sustainable land management, water resource governance and community-based adaptation have helped reduce tensions while improving livelihoods.

Beyond high-level discussions, the forum is structured to encourage peer-to-peer learning, with countries sharing experiences, lessons and innovations. Organisers say this approach is crucial, as many African nations face similar climate risks but operate within different political and security contexts.

The opening ceremony on May 5 is expected to set the tone, with calls for stronger collaboration across sectors that have traditionally operated in silos. Policymakers are likely to emphasise that without integrating peacebuilding into climate adaptation, gains in resilience could be short-lived in volatile regions.

Nigeria’s role as host also underscores its strategic position in regional climate and security discourse. As Africa’s most populous nation, grappling with both environmental stress and complex security challenges, the country offers a real-world case study of the risks and opportunities being discussed.

By the close of the forum on May 7, stakeholders are expected to outline priority actions and next steps for participating countries, with a focus on embedding peacebuilding considerations into national and subnational adaptation planning processes.

For many observers, the significance of the Abuja gathering lies not just in its agenda, but in its timing. As climate impacts accelerate and conflicts grow more complex, the push to bridge the gap between adaptation and peacebuilding is no longer theoretical—it is becoming an urgent necessity.

Abuja Hosts Groundbreaking Forum on Peacebuilding and Climate Resilience

Okpo Student Killing: Family Rejects Settlement, Demands Arrest as Police, DSS Launch Full Investigation

By: Michael Mike

Abuja, May 3, 2026 — Authorities have intensified investigations into the killing of a nursing student in Okpo, Kogi State, as the bereaved family of Andrew Amehson firmly rejected any form of settlement and insisted on justice, declaring “no justice, no burial.”

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) have now taken over the case, following mounting public outrage and pressure from community groups over the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.

Andrew Amehson, a student of Grimad Nursing School in Anyigba, was allegedly beaten to death on April 28, 2026, by security personnel at Nana College of Nursing Sciences, Ibana in Okpo—an incident that has sparked protests and calls for accountability across Olamaboro Local Government Area.

Authorities Move In

Confirming the development, the Chairman of Olamaboro Local Government disclosed that the homicide unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department has commenced a full-scale probe in Okpo.

According to him, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello, has been briefed, while the state government’s Security Adviser, Commander Duro Jerry Omodara (rtd), is also actively involved.

“The homicide department is already on ground in Okpo. I have spoken with the Divisional Police Officer and relevant security authorities. We are committed to ensuring justice is served,” the chairman said.

He further revealed that the proprietor of Nana College of Nursing Sciences, who is currently hospitalised, has agreed to present himself for questioning once discharged.

While urging calm, the chairman commended the family for their restraint and peaceful conduct despite the provocation, assuring them that the government would not shield anyone found culpable.

“We Want Justice, Not Money” — Family

The victim’s family, however, remains resolute in its demand for justice, rejecting any form of financial inducement or backdoor settlement.

Speaking during a visit by youths who had earlier held a candlelight procession in honour of the deceased, Andrew’s elder brother, Solomon Aziko, stated that the family’s position is non-negotiable.

“We are not begging anyone. We are not hungry. Nobody will intimidate us with money. All we want is justice. Those who killed my brother must be arrested and face the full weight of the law,” he said.

He also dismissed claims that representatives of the school had reached out to the family, clarifying that a lawyer who visited was a personal acquaintance and not acting on behalf of the institution.

“Our stand is clear: no justice, no burial. If they cannot arrest those responsible, they should return the body to the school,” he added.

The victim’s mother, visibly distraught, echoed the demand, insisting that burial rites would not proceed until justice is achieved.

“Let them find those who killed my son. That is all I want. If they fail to do that, there will be no burial,” she said.

Andrew’s sister, Wisdom Aziko, also reaffirmed the family’s stance, stressing that prosecution must begin before any funeral arrangements are considered.

Student Body Issues Ultimatum

Meanwhile, the National Association of Olamaboro Students (NAOS) has escalated pressure on authorities, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum demanding “visible and concrete action.”

In a statement, the association warned that failure to act before 11:59 PM on May 3, 2026, would trigger lawful protests across the area.

The group condemned the killing as a “gruesome act of brutality” and called for immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved.

Growing Public Concern

The incident has fueled broader concerns about the use of excessive force by private security personnel in educational institutions, as well as the lack of oversight and accountability mechanisms.

As of press time, the Kogi State Police Command had yet to release an official statement. However, security sources confirmed that detectives and DSS operatives are actively pursuing leads, with multiple persons expected to be invited for questioning.

With tensions rising and public scrutiny intensifying, attention is now firmly on law enforcement authorities to deliver swift and transparent justice in a case that has come to symbolise the growing demand for accountability in Nigeria’s institutions.

Okpo Student Killing: Family Rejects Settlement, Demands Arrest as Police, DSS Launch Full Investigation