NUJ condemns attack on journalists in Niger State on election day
By Saka Bolaji
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Niger State Council has condemned in strong terms , the attack on some journalists of Landmark FM Kontagora covering the Governorship and State House of Assembly Elections in the area by a military personnel.
A statement by the Council Secretary of the union , Comrade Usman Chiji, described the attack as unfortunate and barbaric, considering the importance of General elections to national development.
The Union said it was worried because the attack on the innocent journalists negates the collective resolve by Nigerians to guarantee the sustenance of democracy in the country.
It lamented that, despite the fact that, the journalists presented their identification cards, as well as wearing press jackets and tags , the military personnel could not listen but threatened to deal with them.
The Union then called on the authorities of the Nigerian Army in Kontagora, to investigate the matter and ensure that the military personnel who committed the act was brought to book and ensure that justice prevails.
It was reported that overzealous military personnel that mounted road block exactly at the front of the Landmark Radio Station in Kontagora town further threatened to shoot the reporter for passing through the blocked portion of the road.
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It was reliably gathered that the under aged boy who shifted the plank on the road to enabled the reporters who are Landmark Radio staff to passed was subjected to punishments.
It was when the journalists explained to the said military corporal, he then threatened to shoot one of the reporter urging him to take over the punishment melted on the young Samaritan where confusion started.
Accordingly, despite that the journalists were having their press jacket on, hanging their press tag and carrying their Identity Card the said Samson refused to listen
However, it took the intervention of the leader of the military group who is a senior officer (Lieutenant Colonel) to resolved the matter but the identified last corporal Samson remain adamant.
