#EndSARS: CNN report of Lekki shootings is one-dimensional piece of irresponsible journalism – minister
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Thursday condemned CNN’s report of the massacre of #ENDSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate on October 20 by security agents.
Mohammed, who described the report as one-dimensional and lacking in balance also validated a report done by the BBC, which he claimed was based more on facts.
The Minister added that CNN should be sanctioned for misinformation and irresponsible reporting.
He referred to previous reports done by CNN which lacked balance while insisting that the military fired blank bullets into the air and not at the crowd..
He also said the CNN report conveniently excluded the looting, violence by citizens, 269 private facilities burnt and looted, 243 govt facilities vandalized.
He dismissed the report as a piece of “irresponsible journalism.”
Mohammed said what is being portrayed so far was “social media massacre” or a “hoax massacre”. He said the report was a case of massacre without bodies and asked international community not to be misled by posts on social media to impose sanctions on Nigeria.
The Minister urged persons who have alleged massacres, as well as relatives with missing family members, report at the judicial panel to lay official complaints
He said that the mainstream media should confirm the veracity of footage used before airing.
He also added that the government will work with stakeholders to curb fake news on social media.
Mohammed, who said CNN relied on unverified and doctored videos, said Security agents deserve commendation and not condemnation.
The Minister urged persons who have alleged massacres, as well as relatives with missing family members, report at the judicial panel to lay official complaints
He said that the mainstream media should confirm the veracity of footage used before airing.
He also added that the government will work with stakeholders to curb fake news on social media.
Mohammed, who said CNN relied on unverified and doctored videos, said Security agents deserve commendation and not condemnation.
