Tension has trailed the assault of a Port Harcourt-based journalist, Allwell Ene, after he was reportedly attacked by suspected hoodlums while on duty, prompting condemnation from the Nigerian Union of Journalists and a police investigation.
Ene, a staff member of Megaletrics, operators of Classic FM 91.1, Beat FM 99.9 and Naija FM 92.7 in Port Harcourt, was said to have been brutalised at Garrison Junction on Monday while probing alleged criminal activities in the area.
The journalist disclosed that more than 17 assailants accosted him, questioning his presence before descending on him even after he identified himself as a reporter.
During the attack, he reportedly sustained injuries to his eyes, had his clothes torn, and was dispossessed of his mobile phone, cash and other personal belongings.
Ene confirmed that he has since met with the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, who assured him that the matter was being investigated and that those responsible would be apprehended. He added that he had been issued a medical report form.
The spokesperson for the command, Blessing Agabe, also confirmed that an investigation had commenced into the incident.
Reacting, the Rivers State Council of the NUJ described the attack as unjustifiable and a direct violation of press freedom.
In a statement jointly signed by the council chairman, Paul Bazia, and secretary, Ijeoma Tubosia, the union decried what it called a growing trend of hostility against journalists.
The body stressed that it was unacceptable for media practitioners to be targeted while carrying out their legitimate duties, noting that such acts undermine democratic values.
The NUJ called on security agencies and the state government to ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of those behind the attack, warning against a culture of impunity.