The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council has called on the security agencies and state government to fish out and prosecute the attackers of its members last Saturday in Ikwuato Idembia, Ezza South Local Government Area of the state.
Ten journalists were attacked on their way to cover the defection of Ifeanyi Nworie, who left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the community.
NUJ, in a communique issued at the end of its emergency meeting in Abakaliki, the state capital, signed by the Chairman, Nwafor Samson, Secretary, Chinaza John, Chika Igwe, Okoro,-Egwu Justin and Igiri Sylvia, implored security agencies to fish out and prosecute the perpetrators of the attack in accordance with the law, to serve as a deterrent to others.
It emphasized that the safety and security of journalists are critical to the survival and growth of democracy.
The union condemned the unprovoked attack on the 10 journalists by political thugs led by one Friday Agbom, who reportedly attempted to set ablaze the-branded NUJ bus conveying the journalists.
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NUJ expressed dismay that journalists carrying out their lawful duties could be targeted by thugs, more so when led by a legal practitioner in the person of Agbom.
The union urged political parties in the state to caution their members and supporters against harassment and attacks on journalists, especially now that political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections have commenced.
It warned that any further attack on a journalist by overzealous members or supporters of any political party would not be tolerated and may compel the NUJ to boycott the activities of such a party.
The union resolved to officially communicate the Governor, Francis Nwifuru, security agencies, political parties, and the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) on the attack on the 10 journalists and other concerns relating to the safety and security of media practitioners in the state.
