Soldiers invade press center in Nigeria

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 20 September 2017

A group of soldiers attacked the Nigerian Union of Journalists press center in Umuahia, Abia State, injuring journalists and damaging equipment. The NUJ and IFJ condemned the attack, demanding accountability and an apology from the army.

Summary

BRUSSELS - On September 12, a group of soldiers broke into the press center of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), an IFJ affiliate, in Umuahia, Abia State in Nigeria.

Once inside, they attacked journalists and destroyed equipment. The IFJ joined the NUJ in strongly condemning the unwarranted invasion.

During the attack on the press center, the soldiers alleged that the journalists present had taken their photo without their permission whilst on parade in Umuahia.

In a press statement, the NUJ expressed grave concern with regards to the invasion of the press center condemning “in totality the conduct of the army at the NUJ press center in Umuahia, Abia State” and demanding “immediate investigations into this macabre act”.

The union also asked for an apology from the chief of army staff for the reprehensible conduct of his soldiers and demanded that they be brought to justice.

The NUJ has also demanded payment for the medical bills of those who sustained injuries, as well as compensation for the furniture and equipment destroyed by the soldiers.

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: “We are deeply shocked by the attitude of these soldiers and see this attack as a deliberate act of intimidation designed to cow and silence the media. We ask that the attackers be brought to justice immediately and demand the Nigerian government set the necessary conditions for journalists to carry out their duties without fear or intimidation”. – IFJ media release/Photo: AFP