The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Gombe State Council, has raised the alarm over the continued harassment of its members by some security agencies in the state.
The state Chairman of the union, Alhaji Alhassan, raised the alarm in Gombe on Monday while briefing newsmen on the alleged assault of three journalists attached to the Nigeria Television Authority.
Alhassan identified the three journalists as Shafa’atu Abdulmumini, Lukman Abubakar and Talatu Lamun.
Alhassan alleged that the journalists were assaulted onThursday by some officers of the Nigerian Police Force while they were taking visual shots of traffic flow in the state as part of their responsibility as the fourth estate of the realm.
According to him, the journalists were harassed by police officers shortly after an NTA reporter allegedly violated traffic rule.
He said the journalists were tear-gassed and the cameraman, one Abubakar, was severely beaten, just as his camera was damaged and his cellphone stolen during the incident.
The NUJ chairman announced a total ban on the coverage of police activities by journalists in the state till further notice.
He called on the Police Commissioner in the state to look into the matter and replace the damaged camera and stolen cellphone.
Alhassan said the union had evidence of the incident.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Gombe State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Usman, said the command had begun investigation into the matter.
Usman added that the command would brief the press on the outcome of the investigation.
Trending
- Flights diverted as fire breaks out at Lagos International Airport
- 118 inmates escape as Suleja custodial centre fence collapses
- How FRSC reduced Road Traffic Crashes by 42% – Corps Marshal
- FCCPC uncovers prices in Yen as it grills Chinese supermarket owners + Photos
- Reporters detained for airing music, taking calls from girls
- German police arrest 11 Nigerians laundering money made from dating scam
- Fernandes digs Man U out of hole in win over Sheff United
- Akintoye to Afenifere: Yoruba wants self-determination, not restructuring