Publicity is one of the greatest tools a terrorist organization can wield. That in itself is the reason for terror, if no one talks about the terrorist act, then the terrorist is out of business.
However it is extremely difficult to not report on terrorism due to the gruesome and heinous nature of the crimes committed by terrorists.
Whilst a media blackout is essential, it is not practical. However media practitioners should be a bit more sensitive as to how they report on terror.
One such media house taking the bull by the horns is NewsDirect Newspaper. Unfortunately their offices were part of the media houses inspected by members of the Nigerian Army after intelligence report suggested Boko Haram would carry out activities using their infrastructure which is one of the most sophisticated logistics networks in the country due to the nature of the newspaper publishing and delivery business. As expected, they panicked and petitioned Mr. President.
In a statement released by Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Samuel Ibiyemi, stated, “This is to raise the alarm about the invasion of Nigerian NewsDirect by 15 Army Officers of 192 Battalion led by 2ns Lieutenant Long John on the grounds of information available to them that newspaper houses are using their vehicles to convey explosives and arms for Boko Haram.
“Offices located at 34, Aromobi Str., Blessing Estate, Gasline, Sango-Ota in Ogun State were searched and they promised to come back and monitor the circulation of our weekly newspaper.
“We are not sure the form of what the fresh operation will entail on return. Customers and staff were shocked with the activities of the armed officers.
“Mr. President, we are using this medium to demand for explanation since we are unarmed and do not have anything to do with the deadly Boko Haram sect. We used our newspaper to criticize the activities of the sect in the past. We are patriotic and will not engage in anything that will affect the security of the nation.
“This is for the information of the general public.”
A current affairs analyst, Bright Okonkwo told The Herald, “Boko Haram bombed ThisDay newspapers in 2012 and threatened to attack VOA, Guardian, Daily Trust, and SaharaReporters amongst others. The threat to newspaper proprietors in Nigeria is real and they should bare with the security forces as they carry out their mission.”