The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, has called on the authorities to investigate and ensure accountability following an attack on 10 journalists in the state.
The affected journalists, all members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, were travelling to cover the defection of Chief Ifeanyi Nworie to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ikwuato Idembia when the incident occurred.
This was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the union held at the Dr Sam Egwu Press Centre in Abakaliki.
The communique states, “This incident is barbaric, and NUJ condemns it. It is simply an unprovoked attack on journalists who were going about their lawful professional duties.
“The union was particularly concerned that our members could be targeted while covering a political event, especially by a group allegedly led by a legal practitioner.”
The union called on the state government and security agencies to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice, stressing that the safety of journalists is vital to democracy.
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It also urged political parties in the state to caution their members and supporters against harassment and attacks on journalists as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify.
According to the communiqué, the union has resolved to formally communicate with Governor Francis Nwifuru, security agencies, political parties and the Nigerian Bar Association over the incident and other concerns relating to journalists’ safety.
It further states, “the NUJ also appeals to members of the public to recognise that journalists perform their professional duties in the public interest. The union clearly states that further acts of impunity against media practitioners in the state should not be condoned.”
