The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police in charge of Southwest, Abiodun Alabi has called on media practitioners to shun sensational reportage that could trigger security threats in the country.
Alabi made this plea on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, during the 2024 Press Week Public Lecture organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti Council.
Speaking on the lecture titled: ‘The Role of Media in Promoting National Peace and Security,’ the police boss stressed the need for the media to place a premium on reportage that fosters national peace and security, noting that news exaggerating security threats can instill fear among residents.
He said: “There should be responsible reportage by virtue of accuracy. It should be balanced and unbiased in order to avoid tensions.
Journalists should avoid sensationalism and emotive language, dialogue platforms that may trigger security lapses.
“Stop giving oxygen to insurgents, stop giving them unnecessary promotions in doing this, you will continue to assist them to achieve their aims of truncating the peace of the nation.
“There should be a more proactive protection of Nigerian cyberspace and electronic infrastructure from hacking and criminal interference.
“There should be the establishment of programmes to prevent terrorists from financing their operations, including technical tasks assistance to build the capacity of allies”.
