By SIMON EBEGBULEM & GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

BENIN – Edo State Director of State Security Service, SSS, Mr. Bello Bakori, yesterday, expressed concern that journalists were gradually becoming targets of attack by persons who are highly intolerant of the media.

The SSS Director, who briefed newsmen, expressed regret over the recent death of journalists in the state. He urged media practitioners to understand the delicate work they do, particularly now that the state was on the verge of a governorship election.

Condoling with families and colleagues, who lost their dear ones last month, Bakori noted that journalists may be target of some politicians, who may not be happy with their reports.

He said following the risks posed by extremist groups, including the ‘Boko Haram’ sect and the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State, media houses in Edo were on a 24-hour watch by operatives of the Service. He called for caution, adding that each individual remained his own chief security officer.

He said: “All of us will go one way or the other, but it is such a sad thing that journalists have to die in the cause of their duty. I know some of you must have been thinking there is element of insecurity targeted at your colleagues, and what the SSS is doing about it.

“The other issue is the problem of insecurity connected to the upcoming election in the state. It is obvious that media houses are now part of the targets of terrorist groups and it is important we identify our security needs in parts of the state.

“It is not for one establishment to do it alone; it is a collaborative effort. On our part, since we realised that media houses and journalists have become targets, we have placed them under watch, and on your own part, it is important you maintain internal security checks.

“When you publish some controversial stories you know it might attract reaction from elements you may not even know. While you should take care on how much security information you divulge, including your movement or where you are travelling to or where you will stay.

“I don’t need to tell you that politics has started (in Edo) and no matter the level of what you report, it gets to be heard by people and if you are not careful, it gets out of hand and mischief makers can take advantage of it.

“Report every side, allow people to have opportunity to sell themselves out, so that they will not feel alienated, but in doing so, we must be careful that it does not give cause to what may lead to breach of security,” he added.