By Ibrahim Idris, Bauchi
Outrage has trailed the alleged assault of a radio journalist by police officers during Sallah celebrations in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Media Rights Agenda (MRA) leading calls for justice and accountability.
The victim, Mohammed Adamu of Albarka Radio, was reportedly beaten by officers while covering the Eid Durbar festivities in Bununu over the weekend, an incident widely condemned as a direct attack on press freedom and human rights.
In a strongly worded statement, the Bauchi State Council of the NUJ described the assault as “barbaric and unacceptable,” accusing officers of gross misconduct and a blatant abuse of power.
“The union demanded an immediate investigation by the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, and insisted that all officers involved be sanctioned without delay.”
The NUJ further called on the Bauchi State Police Command to take full responsibility for Adamu’s medical expenses, warning that failure to act could trigger an emergency congress to determine further action.
According to eyewitness accounts, Adamu was attempting to access a designated media area when he was stopped by officers led by Divisional Police Officer Jamilu Kabir. Despite identifying himself as a journalist, he was allegedly beaten with sticks, sustaining head injuries and forced to flee the scene.
MRA, in a separate statement, described the attack as part of a “disturbing pattern” of harassment and violence against journalists in Nigeria. The group called for a “swift, transparent investigation” and urged the prosecution of all officers involved, alongside adequate compensation for the victim.
“This is not just an attack on one journalist,” said MRA Programme Officer John Gbadamosi.
It added, “It undermines the public’s right to information and threatens the foundation of a democratic society.”
Similarly, the International Press Centre (IPC) condemned the incident, warning that unchecked police brutality poses a serious threat to democracy and media independence.
IPC Executive Director Lanre Arogundade called for urgent reforms, including better training and stricter disciplinary measures for erring officers.
The incident has reignited concerns about the safety of journalists across the country, with media stakeholders urging the Federal Government and police authorities to act decisively to end impunity and protect press freedom.
As pressure mounts, all eyes are now on the Bauchi State Police Command to determine whether justice will be served—or whether the growing list of attacks on journalists will continue unchecked.
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