NUJ Orders Arrest, Prosecution of Attackers of Journalists In Ebonyi Community

Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, strongly Condemns the unprovoked attack on Journalists invited to cover a coronation ceremony at Nkomoro Community in Ezza North LGA of Ebonyi State.

In a statement signed by the Ebonyi state chairman, Comrade Nwafor Samson,the union frowned upon taking such ungodly action against Journalists on constitutional duty.

The three Journalists, namely; Mr Uchenna Inya (State Correspondent of The Sun newspapers), Sir Godwin Oguta (Staff of FRCN, Unity FM, Abakaliki) and Dr. Chinelo Okoro ( Staff of FRCN, Unity FM, Abakaliki), were attacked and a Toyota Corolla belonging to Mr Inya Uchenna was smashed by the hoodlums who blocked them as well as other guests who attended the coronation, on their way out of the community. From credible accounts of the incident, the perpetrators of this dastardly act are fully in the know of the identities of these Journalists; moreso, as the car conveying them, has visible insignia that fully identified them as Journalists, yet, they went ahead to attack them. This, to say the least, is another sad reminder of the danger being faced on a daily basis by Journalists in the line of duty.

Reports say that the perpetrators of this act were among those opposed to the coronation, but the Council wonders why they should take laws into their hands to the extent of attacking innocent Journalists merely carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

The Council, therefore, calls on the security agencies as well as the State government to fish out and punish the perpetrators of this dastardly act, inline with the laws, to serve as a deterrent to others. This is very important, because the safety and security of Journalists are very important for our fledging democracy to thrive. The Council also calls on the people to know that the Professional work of Journalists is clearly in the public interests, and acts of impunity against them should not be condoned.