Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, has condemned the alleged assault of its Secretary, Comrade Muhammad Nasir Bello, a correspondent with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), by personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) attached to the Sokoto State Government House.
The incident reportedly occurred while Bello was covering a solidarity rally organised in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the state.
According to the NUJ, Bello, despite presenting his identification cards from NAN and the union, was allegedly assaulted by the security personnel and removed from the area designated for journalists at the Government House gallery.
The union said the journalist sustained injuries, had his clothes torn and his mobile phone damaged during the incident.
Describing the alleged action as embarrassing, unacceptable and disturbing, the NUJ said the incident represents a serious violation of press freedom and the right of journalists to perform their professional duties without intimidation, harassment or assault.
In a statement signed by the Sokoto State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Usman Mohammed Binji, the union expressed concern over the alleged conduct of the security personnel, stressing the important role journalists play in promoting transparency, accountability and public awareness in a democratic society.
The NUJ chairman stated that journalists are not political opponents or participants in political activities, but professionals carrying out their constitutional responsibility of gathering and disseminating information in the public interest.
The union called on the Sokoto State Government and relevant security authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable.
The NUJ also demanded that Bello receives adequate medical attention and appropriate compensation for the injuries sustained and damage to his property.
It further urged the state government to issue clear directives to security personnel attached to the Government House and other public institutions to respect media practitioners and provide a safe environment for them to carry out their duties.
The union warned that it would not tolerate any act of violence, intimidation or harassment against journalists performing lawful assignments, regardless of the political party, individual or institution involved.
“Any attack on a journalist performing a lawful duty is an attack on the public’s right to know,” the NUJ said, reaffirming its commitment to defending press freedom and democratic values.
The union urged all relevant stakeholders to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves and take concrete steps to prevent a recurrence.
