From Ameachi Prosper (The New Diplomat’s Delta Correspondent)
The Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sunday condemned an attack on Vanguard newspaper Correspondent, Mr Akpokona Omafuaire by the Ovwian policemen in Warri.
According to Omafuaire, he was assaulted on his way to an official assignment. He said his car was also vandalized.
“I was driving out of my street. They blocked near my street entrance, that I cannot go out. I told them I am a journalist and showed them my ID card.
“Before I knew it, they started attacking me, about eight of them and that I can go and write whatever I liked. I begged them to allow me to pass but Sergeant Godspower refused and harassed me.
“His other colleagues joined him and he (Sergeant Godspower) cut my back with a machete, saying we journalists are supporting the #EndSARS protesters. They vandalized my car. I don’t know what to do now,” Omafuaire stated.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary, Comrades Michael Ikeogwu and Patrick Ochei respectively, the Union vehemently condemned the assault saying, it was unfortunate situation and uncalled for.
The Union called on the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Hafiz Inuwa to immediately fish out the policemen involved in the molestation of the journalist and destruction of his car while on official duties.
The NUJ further reminded the CP that journalists are part of those on essential duty as enunciated and clarified by the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa in his address while declaring a 48 hours curfew.
Recall that Governor OKowa had declared a 48 hour curfew in Delta state to help restore sanity in the state after hoodlums allegedly hijacked the #EndSARS Protest to destroy Government facilities and properties.
