Two journalists with the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) were on Wednesday allegedly assaulted by a senior aide to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Kelly Okungbowa, popularly known as Ebo Stone.
The incident occurred at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, during an empowerment programme organised for 250 persons with physical disabilities.
Trouble reportedly started when some individuals who were not beneficiaries attempted to force their way into the venue and were being ushered out through a side entrance.
Okungbowa was said to have confronted the EBS cameraman, Bright Osifo, accusing him of filming the commotion.
In the ensuing disagreement, Mrs Juliet Enabulele-Asein, a reporter with the station, intervened to clarify that the cameraman was not recording.
However, Okungbowa allegedly attempted to slap her and struck her on the shoulder.
“I told him the cameraman was not recording and even pointed out that he was working for the state government-owned station, but he ignored me,” Enabulele-Asein said.
The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in a statement signed by its Chairman, Festus Alenkhe, and Secretary, Andy Egbon, condemned the attack and demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the governor’s aide by the police and relevant security agencies.
The union described the incident as a brazen assault on press freedom and a threat to the safety of media professionals performing their lawful duties.
“The NUJ will no longer tolerate attacks on journalists in the line of duty.
“We urge the public, particularly public officials, to exercise restraint and respect the constitutional role of the media in strengthening democracy and ensuring accountability,” the statement said.