Magnus Aluma
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ebonyi State Council, has called on government and security agencies in the state to identify and prosecute the people behind the recent attack on 10 of its members in the state.
The victims who are members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ in Ebonyi State, were attacked on their way to cover the defection of Chief Ifeanyi Nworie to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at Ikwuato Idembia.
The demand was contained in a communique raised at the end of an emergency meeting of the union, held at Dr. Sam Egwu Press Centre in Abakaliki, the state capital.
The union alleged that the journalists were attacked by political thugs led by one Barrister Friday Agbom, who attempted to set ablaze the NUJ branded bus conveying them to the venue.
The communique states, “this incident is barbaric, and NUJ condemns it. It is simply an unprovoked attack on journalists who were going about their lawful professional duties.
“The union was particularly concerned that our members could be targeted while covering a political event, especially by a group allegedly led by a legal practitioner.”
It called on the government, and security agencies in the state to investigate the incident, bring the perpetrators to book and prosecute them in accordance with the law to serve as a deterrent to others.
He stressed that the safety and security of journalists remained critical to the growth of democracy.
The union also urged political parties in Ebonyi State to caution their members and supporters against harassment and attacks on its members as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify.
It further warned that further attack on its members by members or supporters of political parties would not be tolerated and could compel the union to boycott coverage of the activities of such parties.
According to the communique, the NUJ has resolved to formally communicate with the state Governor, Francis Nwifuru, security agencies, political parties and the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), over the incident and other issues bothering on the safety and security of journalists in the state.
It further states, “the NUJ also appeals to members of the public to recognise that journalists perform their professional duties in the public interest.
“The union clearly states that further acts of impunity against media practitioners in the state should not be condoned.”
On the proposed establishment of the Abakaliki Cement Factory, the union commended the Ebonyi State Government for embarking on the project.
It described the project as a laudable initiative, adding that it is capable of creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs for youths in the area; while contributing to the economic growth of the state.
The NUJ urged the Ebonyi State Government to expedite action on the project and emphasised that its completion would mark the beginning of a new era of economic prosperity for the state.
The union also commended Governor Nwifuru for approving the 2026 promotion and conversion exercise for civil servants in the state.
According to the union, the approval has renewed hope among the workers, and would motivate them to become more committed and productive in the service of the state.
The communique was jointly signed by the Chairman of NUJ in Ebonyi State, Comrade Samson Nwafor, the Secretary of the Council, Dr. Chinaza John and members of the communique drafting committee, Comrades Chika Igwe, Justin Okoro-Egwu, and Sylvia Igiri.
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