The Ebonyi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has urged local security forces and the state government to identify and prosecute individuals responsible for assaulting their members in Ezza South Local Government Area. Ten journalists from the Correspondents’ Chapel were targeted while traveling to report on a political event where Barrister Ifeanyi Nworie defected from the APC to the PDP.
A formal communique released in Abakaliki by union leadership condemned the incident as barbaric. The journalists were reportedly intercepted by thugs led by Friday Agbom, who allegedly attempted to ignite the union’s official vehicle. The union expressed significant concern that this assault was allegedly spearheaded by a legal practitioner.
The NUJ stated that protecting media personnel is essential for the health of democracy. They have called for swift legal action against the attackers to discourage future violence. Furthermore, the organization warned political groups to rein in their supporters ahead of the 2027 elections, stating they may refuse to cover events for parties that fail to ensure journalist safety.
Plans are in place to notify Governor Francis Nwifuru, security agencies, and the Nigeria Bar Association regarding these security failures. The union maintains that public interest depends on the ability of reporters to work without fear of harassment or impunity.
