August 01, (THEWILL) – The Kano State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the attack on Journalists by hoodlums during the ongoing nationwide protest against bad governance.
A statement signed by Council’s Chairman, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim and Secretary, Comrade Abba Murtala, said 11 Journalists working with various media organisations were attacked in a bus belonging to Channels Television by the thugs during the demonstrations.
The statement said the Journalists were covering the protests on Thursday when the hoodlums took advantage of the exercise and mobbed the newsmen.
“A bus belonging to the Channels Television carrying 11 Journalists from various media houses, including print and broadcast, was attacked by the hoodlums wielding dangerous weapons along Sokoto Road, Kano.
“They smashed the glasses of the bus as it passed by, with sprinkles of glass descending on the Journalists and injuring some of them.
“Similarly, a car belonging to Wazobia, Cool FM, Arewa Group, conveying reporters, was attacked by hoodlums near the Kano State Government House.
“We wish to state clearly that it is constitutional for citizens to stage peaceful protests but illegal and unlawful to subject other citizens to intimidation and abuse.
“We, therefore, condemn in very strong terms, the attack on Journalists who are out to perform their jobs as responsible members of the society, contributing their quota to the progress and development of our dear nation.
“We also use this opportunity to call on all authorities concerned to ensure that law and order is maintained in the state,” the union said.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
