The Nigerian Government and security agencies have been called upon to ensure the safety of a British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Africa Eye reporter, Peter Nkanga.
According to a non-governmental organisation, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) the reporter has been receiving death threats since the release of his BBC documentary showing the host of a radio programme ‘Berekete Family Show’, Ahmed Isah, assaulting an interviewee.
“My life is under serious threat. I am facing harassment, cyberbullying and threats targeting me, my family, and other members of the BBC crew because I did my job as a journalist,” Nkanga said.
He alleged that supporters of Isah, popularly known as ‘Ordinary President’ have released his phone numbers on social media and people have been bombarding him with death threats, saying they will stone him to death.
The BBC in a statement also raised the alarm over the safety of Nkanga. It said, “Since the BBC Africa Eye film has aired our reporter has been subjected to abuse and threats which we are taking seriously and will report to the police. It is completely unacceptable that journalists should suffer abuse for doing their jobs.
“Prior to broadcasting the film, the BBC repeatedly reached out to Ahmed Isah offering a right of reply to questions regarding accusations from his critics but he declined.
“Since the BBC investigation has aired Mr Isah has apologised for his assault on the woman in the film. The film also showed the positive outcome Mr Isah achieved for a child who had been badly burnt and demonstrated the help and support he provided for her family.”
