The Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has condemned Saturday’s attack on a Vanguard Correspondent, Comrade Akpokona Omafuaire by men of the Nigeria Police Force, Ovwian/Aladja Divisional Headquarters.
In a statement signed by the State Chairman and Secretary, Comrades Michael Ikeogwu and Patrick Ochei, the union vehemently condemned the assault, describing it was unfortunate and uncalled for.
The union therefore called on the Delta State 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.
Appropriate sanction the union demanded should be meted out to the Policemen involved in the uncivilized behaviour.
The union reminded the CP that journalists are part of those on essential duty as enunciated and clarified by the Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa in his address while declaring the 48 hours curfew to restore sanity in the state after hoodlums hijacked the #EndSARS protest.
The statement said further that, “Journalists should not be objects of attacks by the police while carrying out their legitimate functions. The #EndSARS protesters are attacking journalists and media houses and at the same time the police are assaulting us. Where do we run to?
“We insist that the Police Commissioner must fish out Sergeant Godspower and other accomplices in this show of extreme power, otherwise we will severe ties with the police in the State.”