NUJ condemns intimidation, harassment of journalists
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has issued a strong condemnation of the intimidation and harassment of journalists covering events of protests across Nigeria from its commencement on Thursday.
In a recent statement, Achike Chude, National Secretary of the NUJ, highlighted several instances where journalists were targeted by both state and non-state actors.
The statement noted that despite the NUJ’s ongoing efforts to engage with government officials and security forces to curb these undemocratic behaviors, incidents of harassment persist.
The NUJ, while disclosing a list of recorded incidents, emphasized that such actions are unacceptable and detrimental to the role of the press in promoting public good by informing, enlightening, and educating the citizens.
Documented incidents of harassment:
- Lagos: Bernard Akede of News Central Television was interrupted and barred from conducting live interviews by police officers and LCC officials.
- Calabar, Cross River State: Hoodlums attacked journalists, injuring Nigerian Tribune reporter Joseph Abasi-Abasi and targeting an NUJ bus carrying food supplies.
- Calabar: Jonathan Ugbal of Cross River Watch was arrested, beaten, and detained by police before being released.
- Abuja: Daily Independent photojournalist Jide Oyekunle was unlawfully arrested and had his mobile phone confiscated while covering protests. He was released following protests by fellow journalists.
- Abuja: Olukayode Jayeola, a photojournalist with The PUNCH Newspaper, was arrested at Eagle Square, and his camera, phones, and other personal belongings were confiscated by security operatives.
- Abuja: Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times was assaulted by police officers, sustaining head injuries from gun butts and batons.
- Abuja: Mary Adeboye of News Central Television was exposed to teargas fired by police officers while reporting on the protest.
- Kano: Ibrahim Isah of TVC News was physically attacked by armed hoodlums, sustaining hand injuries.
- Delta State: Journalists, including Prince Amour Udemude, Matthew Ochei of Punch Newspaper, Monday Osayande of Guardian Newspaper, and Lucy of Pointer, were assaulted by counter-protesters and had their equipment destroyed.
- Maiduguri: Nine staff members of Radio Ndarason Internationale were arrested at their offices while reporting on the protests.
NUJ’s demands
The NUJ added that it was investigating the incidents and compiling a list of lost, seized, or damaged assets to determine their value.
“The organization demands a public apology from the responsible institutions and the replacement of lost and damaged assets. In addition, the NUJ calls for a thorough investigation into these incidents to ensure the culprits are punished.
“Nigeria is supposed to be a country of law and order. We expect no less in terms of professional conduct from officials maintained with state resources,” the statement concluded.
