Outrage As Journalist Beaten At Political Rally In Abakaliki

‎ ‎ ‎A journalist has reportedly assaulted on Tuesday at an endorsement rally organised by traders and market unions in support of Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, in Abakaliki.

‎ ‎The incident occurred at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium,Abakaliki amid alleged factional clashes among market leaders. ‎ ‎Mr. Polycarp Sola of Eye Witness News was attacked while covering the event with his eyes badly pierced. ‎ Sola said he was invited by a market leader, Mr. Obeji Linus, but was beaten and briefly dispossessed of his phone before it was recovered with the intervention of a government aide. ‎ ‎“It’s disturbing that those we give a voice turn against us. Journalists must be protected,” he said. ‎ ‎The rally, held to endorse Nwifuru’s second-term bid ahead of 2027, was overshadowed by the incident from group allegedly led by one of the Chairmen, Magret Umahi International Market identified as Mr. Oba, raising fresh concerns over the safety of journalists on assignment.