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Calls for immediate police investigation, insists press freedom is non-negotiable
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe State Council, has strongly condemned the brutal assault on a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) reporter by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Zakari Deba, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) attached to the Yobe Government House.
The incident occurred on Thursday during the presentation of the 2026 budget at the Yobe State House of Assembly, when the NTA reporter was allegedly manhandled by the officer while attempting to gain access to the venue for coverage.
In a statement jointly signed by the Council Chairman, Comrade Rajab Mohammed Ismail, and Secretary, Alhassan Sule Mamudo, the NUJ described the attack as “an egregious act of violence against a media practitioner simply doing their job,” adding that such conduct is “unacceptable in a democratic society.”
“Journalists are not enemies of progress; they are partners in nation-building. Such attacks undermine press freedom and create a hostile environment for truth-telling,” the statement read.
The NUJ Yobe Council demanded an immediate investigation by the Nigeria Police Force, urging that CSP Deba be held accountable for his actions. The Union also commended NTA Damaturu for promptly reporting the assault and called on all security agencies to show greater respect for journalists in the line of duty.
“Press freedom is non-negotiable. Security agencies must treat media practitioners with dignity and professionalism,” the statement added.
Copies of the statement have been forwarded to Governor Mai Mala Buni, the Yobe State Commissioner of Information, the State Commissioner of Police, the Director of DSS, and the NUJ National President in Abuja.
— End of Release —
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