The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, has strongly condemned the alleged assault and harassment of three journalists by private security operatives attached to a Chinese company in Igbesa, Ogun State.
The affected journalists, identified as OGTV reporter Taiwo Fabajo, Channels Television crew member Bidemi Bello, and journalist Gbenga Osinuga, were reportedly attacked while carrying out their professional duties during an enforcement exercise in the Ogunguandong area of Igbesa.
According to the NUJ, the journalists were accompanying officials of an Ogun State Government agency on an official assignment when the incident occurred.
The union alleged that private security personnel working for one of the Chinese companies operating in the area—not officers of the Nigeria Police Force—physically assaulted the media practitioners despite their lawful presence at the scene.
In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Ogun State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Bunmi Adigun, the union described the attack as unacceptable and a direct assault on press freedom.
“The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council, strongly condemns this attack on members of the press. Journalists must be allowed to perform their constitutional role without intimidation, harassment, assault, or any form of violence,” the statement read.
The council called on the Nigeria Police Force to launch an immediate investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
The NUJ further assured journalists and members of the public that it would pursue the matter to its logical conclusion, stressing that the attack would not be swept under the carpet.
“The Council assures all media practitioners and the general public that this matter will not be swept under the carpet. Everyone found culpable in the assault of these journalists must be identified and brought to book in accordance with the law,” the statement added.
The incident has sparked concerns among media practitioners over the safety of journalists in the line of duty and renewed calls for greater respect for press freedom and the rights of media professionals in the discharge of their responsibilities.
