By Our Correspondent
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State chapter, has strongly condemned the alleged assault on its Secretary, Comrade Muhammad Nasir Bello, a correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) attached to the Sokoto State Government House.
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The incident occurred while Muhammad was covering a solidarity rally for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Ahmed Aliyu and other APC candidates in Sokoto State, which ended at the Government House.
According to the union, despite the fact that he presented his NAN and NUJ identity cards, the security operatives allegedly attacked him and removed him from the area designated for journalists at the press gallery.
He was also said to have had his clothes torn, his mobile phone destroyed, and sustained injuries on his legs, hands and other parts of his body.
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The Chairman of NUJ Sokoto State, Comrade Usman Mohammed Binji, described the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable, saying it is a gross violation of journalists’ rights and press freedom, and an infringement on journalists’ ability to carry out their legitimate duties without threat, harassment or assault.
Usman Binji expressed concern over how the security operatives conducted the act, especially considering the important role journalists play in enlightening the public, ensuring truth, accountability and adherence to democratic principles.
The NUJ emphasized that journalists are not political opponents, and do not participate in political rallies as supporters of any party, but are professionals who gather and disseminate information for the benefit of society.
Therefore, the union called on the Sokoto State Government and the relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the matter, and to ensure that any officer found guilty faces punishment.
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NUJ called on all stakeholders to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves, and to take appropriate measures to ensure that such an incident does not happen again.
Source: Iconic FM
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