The Ogun State Council of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU) has strongly condemned the recent attack on journalists at the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa, describing the incident as barbaric and a threat to press freedom.
The union expressed outrage over the alleged assault of Taiwo Fabajo of OGTV, Bidemi Bello of Channels Television and journalist Gbenga Osinuga by private security operatives attached to the Chinese company managing the Free Trade Zone.
In a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of Ogun State RATTAWU, Comrade Olakunle Idowu, the union described the physical assault, intimidation and harassment of the journalists as unacceptable and a direct attack on media practitioners carrying out their lawful duties.
The journalists were reportedly attacked while covering an enforcement exercise at the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone.
RATTAWU stated that the actions of the private security personnel amounted to an attempt to obstruct journalists from performing their constitutional responsibilities and undermined the principles of a democratic society.
“The conduct of the private security operatives is unacceptable, condemnable, punishable and must not be tolerated in any civilized society,” the union said.
The union commended the Ogun State Government for its swift response in sealing the premises following the incident and called for a comprehensive investigation to ensure justice is served.
It also urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute all individuals involved in the assault.
RATTAWU expressed solidarity with the affected journalists and assured them of its support in their pursuit of justice.
The union further warned against any attempt to intimidate or silence media practitioners, stressing that journalists would continue to serve as the voice of the people regardless of threats or harassment.
“No individual or organisation, regardless of status or influence, should be allowed to gag, suppress, intimidate, harass, attack or threaten media practitioners in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities and go unpunished,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to press freedom and the protection of media workers, the union declared that Ogun State must not become a haven for lawlessness and impunity.
“An injury to one is an injury to all,” RATTAWU stated, pledging continued solidarity with journalists across the state and the country.
