The Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has strongly condemned the assault allegedly carried out by some police officers on a staff member of Albarka Radio in Bununu, Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State during the Sallah celebration.
A statement issued by Isah Garba Gadau, Secretary of the Union, and made available to journalists on Monday said the act of brutality is a gross violation of human rights, a direct attack on press freedom, and a disgraceful display of lawlessness by officers who are expected to protect, not harm, citizens.
“It is particularly disturbing that such misconduct is occurring at a time when the NUJ is intensifying advocacy for professionalism and accountability among security agencies.”
The NUJ Bauchi State Council demanded the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, should immediately investigate the incident and sanction all officers involved in the act.
In addition, the union insisted the Bauchi State Police Command should, without delay, bear full responsibility for and settle all medical expenses incurred by the victim.
“Failure to meet these demands, it will compel the union to summon an emergency Congress meeting to decide on the way forward,” the union warned.
The council further called on all media houses in the state to remain vigilant and await further directives as the union will not relent until justice is served and the safety and dignity of journalists are fully guaranteed.
The statement added that NUJ will not tolerate intimidation, harassment, or brutality against journalists under any circumstances.
Meanwhile, the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub frowned at, and totally condemned police brutality against Mohammed Adamu, a journalist with the Albarka Radio – a media partner to Wikki Times, while covering Eid Durbar celebrations in Bununu, the headquarters of Tafawa Balewa LGA over the weekend.
Information on the unwarranted brutality collated by the IPC-SPJ Hub, described the inhumane treatment of the Police, who physically and verbally assaulted Mohammed Adamu, while he was in the company of other media professionals and an information officer to cover the festivities.
According to a Press release issued by Melody Akinjiyan, Press Freedom Officer, IPC, which was made available to journalists Monday, the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, said, “The abuse of power and excessive use of force against Mohammed Adamu is very dangerous to our democracy and a major threat to press freedom. Such acts of brutality also violate the fundamental human rights of the journalist”.
“This unfortunate incident raises more concerns about the safety of journalists in the country.
“We urge the men of the Nigerian Police Force to desist from creating an environment where journalists will be afraid to work and discharge their duties effectively and efficiently.
“IPC-SPJ Hub therefore calls on Sani – Omolori Aliyu, the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State to investigate and get to the root of the incident.”
He said “The Police should take adequate and swift measures to bring to book those who assaulted the journalist while putting in place machinery to compensate Mohammed Adamu for this inhumane treatment.
“We also call on the Nigeria Police to step up the training of its officers to be more respectful and courteous while discharging their duties. They should be reminded constantly that the primary responsibility of the Police is the protection of citizens, including journalists and every other civilian”.
Segun Awofadeji
