The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, has condemned the alleged assault and intimidation of journalists by a Department of State Services (DSS) officer at the Yankari Game Reserve.
The Council is demanding an immediate investigation into the incident and appropriate action if the officer is found culpable.
In a statement signed by the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Umar Sa’idu, and Secretary, Isah Garba Gadau, the Council said the incident occurred on Tuesday during the commissioning of a 500KVA solar power station at Yankari Game Reserve.
The NUJ alleged that the DSS officer, who was attached to a delegation of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), slapped Bashir Adamu of Bauchi Radio Corporation three times while he was performing his official duties.
It said the journalist was properly identified as a member of the Bauchi State Government House Press Crew at the time of the incident.
The Council also alleged that another journalist was prevented from carrying out his professional duties during the event.
According to the NUJ, the affected journalists did not retaliate but instead reported the matter to the union’s leadership.
The Council called for a thorough investigation to identify the officer involved and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, with appropriate disciplinary or legal action taken if he is found culpable.
The NUJ also urged security agencies to respect the rights of accredited journalists and ensure their safety while covering official engagements.
It further called on organisers of public events to properly brief security personnel on the roles and rights of journalists to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
