Politics

NUJ Condemns Assault on Journalists During Protest: See how 21 Reporters were Injured

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 4th, 2024.

NUJ Condemns Assault on Journalists During Protest: See how 21 Reporters were Injured

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has denounced the recent attacks on journalists covering a protest, resulting in injuries to at least 21 media professionals. The assaults, perpetrated by both police officers and unidentified hoodlums, have ignited widespread condemnation and raised significant concerns about the safety of journalists in Nigeria.

In a statement issued by Achike Chude, the NUJ National Secretary, the union criticized the escalating pattern of intimidation and harassment faced by journalists, carried out by both state and non-state actors. Chude expressed disappointment over these attacks, despite ongoing efforts by the NUJ to engage with government officials and security forces to address such anti-democratic behaviors.

“The disturbing trend of journalist intimidation and harassment, especially by state actors, continues unabated. Despite our repeated efforts to address these issues with government and security agencies, we find ourselves facing a troubling situation,” Chude said. “We want to reassure both the public and authorities that journalists will not be intimidated or deterred from their vital role in informing and educating society for the public good.”

The NUJ’s statement detailed various incidents of harassment during the protests:

– In Lagos, Bernard Akede of News Central Television was prevented from conducting live interviews by police officers and LCC officials.

– In Calabar, Cross River State, hoodlums attacked journalists, injuring Nigerian Tribune reporter Joseph Abasi-Abasi. They also targeted a NUJ bus carrying food supplies and arrested and assaulted Jonathan Ugbal of Cross River Watch.

– Daily Independent photojournalist Jide Oyekunle was unlawfully arrested and had his phone seized by police in Abuja, while Punch Newspaper’s Olukayode Jayeola was arrested, and his equipment confiscated at Eagle Square.

– Mary Adeboye of News Central Television was exposed to tear gas by police in the FCT, and Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times was beaten by police, who also damaged journalists’ cameras.

– In Kano, Ibrahim Isah of TVC News was attacked by armed hoodlums, and in Delta State, several journalists, including Prince Amour Udemude and Matthew Ochei, were assaulted by counter-protesters and had their equipment destroyed. Additionally, nine staff members of Radio Ndarason Internationale in Maiduguri were detained while covering the protests.

The NUJ has called for a comprehensive investigation into these incidents and demanded accountability for those responsible. They are also compiling a list of damaged or seized journalistic assets to assess their value and seek restitution.

“We expect a public apology from the responsible institutions and the replacement of the lost and damaged assets,” the NUJ stated. “Nigeria must uphold the rule of law and ensure that those entrusted with state resources adhere to professional standards.”