Hostility towards the Press in Nigeria: Examining Online Responses to the Burning of TVC Headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria

This study examines responses from Facebook and X users regarding the burning of TVC headquarters by protesters in Lagos, Nigeria. Data for the study were from a mix of quantitative and qualitative content analysis of Facebook and X posts ( N = 41,188) of netizens in Nigeria who responded to the burning of TVC headquarters in Lagos. The thematic content analysis categorised the responses into Validators , Defenders , Intimidators and Accusers . We show that greater percentage of Facebook and X users in Nigeria validated and encouraged violence against journalists in Nigeria. We highlight the seriousness of harassment of journalists and its impact to press freedom.