NUJ condemns attack on journalist as police launches probe

The Rivers State Police Command is investigating the attack on Port Harcourt-based broadcast journalist, Allwell Ene, by hoodlums in the Garrison Junction end of Port Harcourt on Monday.

Recall that Mr Ene, who works with ‘Megaletrics’, operators of Classic FM 91.1, Beat FM 99.9 and Naija FM 92.7 in Port Harcourt had said he was investigating reports of criminal activities in the area when over 17 hoodlums swooped on him and inflicted injuries on him

According to the journalist, the miscreants queried what his business was in the area and after he identified himself as a newsman, they continued throwing punches at him.

He sustained bodily injuries in his eyes, while his clothes were torn, mobile phone taken away and unspecified sum of money and other items taken.

Speaking with our correspondent, Ene confirmed meeting with the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, saying he was issued with a medical examination form.

“I was with the Commissioner of Police and he assured me that the matter was under investigation and those behind the attack will be fished out,” he added.

Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Blessing Agabe,  confirmed that the attack is being probed.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Rivers State Council has condemned the attack, describing it as unwarranted.

In a statement by the State NUJ Chairman, Paul Bazia and Secretary, Ijeoma Tubosia, the union said the attack is unacceptable.

The statement reads, “The Nigerian Union of Journalists, Rivers State Council, has condemned the unwarranted attack on a Journalist with Naija/Beat/Classic FM, Port Harcourt Amb.Allwell Ene, by hoodlums.

“The NUJ  is disheartened over the ugly incident;  rather than treat journalists as partners in nation building, members of society have in most cases consistently treated journalists as enemies who must be crushed.

“It is unacceptable that  in a civilized society, a journalist will be attacked while doing his job.

“It is a clear case of violation of the rights of the journalist”.

The NUJ called on the government and state police command to bring the perpetrators of the act to book.