A distressing incident occurred on June 12, 2021, during a Democracy Day rally in Abuja, Nigeria, captured by REUTERS photographer Afolabi Sotunde, showing protesters fleeing as tear gas is fired by the police.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a separate incident that transpired on Monday, a group of suspected hoodlums targeted and assaulted six journalists affiliated with prominent media outlets, namely Television Continental (TVC), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Daar Communications (AIT), and The Sun Newspaper.
The assault took place in the vicinity of Nembe Bassambiri, situated in the Nembe local government area of Bayelsa State….CONTINUE READING
The unsettling attack unfolded around 5 pm when the journalists were conducting an on-the-ground evaluation in response to recent reports of insecurity in Nembe. As they ventured into the community, they were unexpectedly ambushed by armed hoodlums, who wielded dangerous weapons.
The journalists who fell victim to this aggression are as follows: Mr. Joseph Kunde and his cameraman, Mr. Bina Miebi of TVC; Mr. Awe Baratuapere and his cameraman, Mr. Ayebakuro Egein of NTA; Mrs. Iniyekenime Doctor Bruce of Daar Communications; and Mr. Femi Folaranmi from The Sun.
During the attack, the assailants forcibly seized the journalists’ personal belongings and professional equipment, including cameras, smartphones, Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, wristwatches, and cash.
The journalists had been accompanying local authorities on a tour of properties that had been destroyed by youths from the community. This destruction prompted the subsequent deployment of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) by the inspector-general of police.
As the journalists were inspecting the last damaged property, owned by the regent, they were suddenly confronted by armed individuals, leading to a chaotic situation.
In response, some members of the journalist team sought refuge in nearby houses, while others fled towards the Police base.
The law enforcement officers, under the leadership of unit commander Mr. Silas, bravely engaged the hoodlums in a confrontation. Eventually, Mr. Baratuapere and Mr. Folaranmi were able to reach the safety of the Police base, while the rest remained trapped within the community.
