The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has condemned in strong terms the harassment of veteran journalist and former president of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Ladi Bala, by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Kayode Opeifa.
In a statement signed on Friday by the Council’s Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ described the incident as an assault on press freedom and a blatant attempt to intimidate journalists.
The altercation occurred on August 27, 2025, during Bala’s coverage of a train derailment along the Abuja–Kaduna rail line. According to eyewitnesses, Mr. Opeifa verbally attacked Bala in the full glare of the public, calling her “stupid,” making derogatory remarks about her appearance, and ordering security operatives to throw her out of the scene.
The NRC boss allegedly went further, threatening to blacklist Bala from all future NRC events and to involve security agencies against her. When NUJ Chairman Grace Ike intervened to clarify the matter, Mr. Opeifa reportedly hurled fresh insults, dismissing both Bala and the Council’s leadership.
The NUJ FCT Council said such behavior was “a direct attack on the dignity and safety of journalists, particularly women in the profession,” and warned that it sets a dangerous precedent for democracy. “Bullying and silencing journalists not only undermines press freedom but also denies Nigerians access to truthful reporting and accountability,” the statement read.
Read also:
- NUJ FCT hails historic appointment of 1st female NTA executive director of news
- AIBEN Property to host 4th NUJ FCT football tournament
- Affordable housing estate for NUJ FCT members will become reality – FG
The union declared its unwavering support for Comrade Bala and demanded a full public apology from Mr. Opeifa. It also called on the Nigerian Railway Corporation to take immediate disciplinary measures to forestall future abuse of journalists covering its operations.
According to the NUJ, the incident is symptomatic of rising hostility against the media in Nigeria, where reporters are increasingly targeted for doing their job. The Council vowed to resist any attempt to intimidate journalists, insisting that only a safe and respectful working environment will allow the press to fulfill its constitutional duty of informing the public and holding leaders accountable.
The Council emphasized that it will continue to monitor the matter until justice is served, reiterating that attacks on journalists will not be tolerated.
