Bauchi
Outrage as Journalist Allegedly Assaulted by Police During Eid Durbar in Bauchi
Outrage as Journalist Allegedly Assaulted by Police During Eid Durbar in Bauchi
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has strongly condemned what it described as a disturbing case of police brutality against a journalist, Mohammed Adamu, during the Eid Durbar celebrations in Bununu, Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by its Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, the IPC—through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub—expressed deep concern over the incident, which it said highlights the growing risks faced by journalists in Nigeria.
According to findings gathered by the IPC-SPJ Hub, Adamu, who works with Albarka Radio, a partner of Wikki Times, was reportedly subjected to physical and verbal assault while carrying out his professional duties at the event.
Recounting his ordeal, Adamu explained that he was at the venue alongside other journalists and an information officer to cover the traditional celebration when he was stopped by a police officer.
“We were at Bununu for the Eid Durbar with other media colleagues. As I approached the area assigned for journalists, a police constable blocked me,” he said.
He further alleged that the situation escalated when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the area, SP Jamilu Kabir, ordered him to leave the premises.
“I identified myself as a journalist, but instead of allowing me to work, he began insulting me. Despite my explanation, he started beating me, and other officers joined in the assault,” Adamu recounted.
Reacting to the development, the Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, described the incident as a grave abuse of authority and a threat to democratic values.
“The excessive use of force against a journalist is unacceptable and undermines press freedom. It also constitutes a violation of fundamental human rights,” Arogundade stated.
The organisation warned that such actions could create a hostile environment for media practitioners, discouraging them from performing their duties effectively.
Calling for accountability, the IPC urged the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, to launch a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The centre also stressed the need for appropriate compensation for the victim, describing the treatment meted out to him as inhumane.
Furthermore, IPC called on the Nigeria Police Force to intensify the training of its personnel, emphasising professionalism, respect for citizens’ rights, and the critical role of journalists in society.
“The police must be reminded that their core duty is to protect all citizens, including journalists, not to intimidate or harm them,” the statement added.
The incident has once again brought to the fore concerns about the safety of journalists in Nigeria and the urgent need for reforms to safeguard press freedom.