October 14, (THEWILL) – The Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned in strong terms, the attack on Journalists who were on official duty, covering a press briefing in Yenagoa by suspected hired thugs by APC factions.
The press briefing, which was organised by the Sagbama Local Government Chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC), was invaded by hoodlums, some journalists escaped death and in the process, some of them sustained various degrees of injuries as the hoodlums destroyed chairs while hitting those present at the event with rodes.
The union, in a statement signed by the outgoing Council Chairman, Comrade Samuel Numonengi and Secretary, Comrade Ogio Ipigansi described the unfortunate event as callous and barbaric and an attempt to prevent journalists from carrying out their legitimate duties to inform the public.
The statement called on security agents to investigate and fish out those involved in the ugly act for the prosecution to serve as a deterrent to others.
The statement urged politicians to always play by the rules to avoid this type of scenario.
The statement sympathises with those injured, especially members of the union and wishes them a quick recovery.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
