Ekiti NUJ condemns attacks on journalists during election coverage, seeks prosecution

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ekiti State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the assault on two journalists who were on official assignment during the just-concluded governorship election in the state.

The affected journalists, Rasaq Ibrahim of The Nation and Yunusa Ishola of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), were reportedly attacked at Polling Unit 10, Ward B, Iyin Ekiti, while covering the electoral process.

In a statement signed by the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, and the Secretary, O’Seun Ogunsakin, the union described the incident as unacceptable and an affront to press freedom and democratic values.

The council also criticised the conduct of security operatives at the polling unit, alleging that they failed to intervene as the journalists were being assaulted.

According to the NUJ, the incident occurred shortly after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrived at the location to monitor alleged vote-buying activities, a development that heightened tension in the area.

The statement noted that Rasaq Ibrahim was attacked while filming events at the polling unit, despite identifying himself as a journalist, adding that he sustained injuries while attempting to escape from the hostile crowd.

It further disclosed that NAN correspondent, Yunusa Ishola, also got caught up in the confusion and lost his official identity card during the chaos that followed.

The NUJ called on security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted, stressing that journalists must be allowed to operate freely and safely during elections.