A female reporter from the government-owned Edo Broadcasting Service, EBS, Mrs Juliet Enabulele-Asein, and cameraman Bright Osifo were reportedly assaulted by an 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 for 250 physically challenged individuals.
The altercation reportedly began when some non-beneficiaries attempted to enter the hall and were being escorted through a side entrance.
Okungbowa allegedly confronted the cameraman, accusing him of recording the scene.
When Enabulele-Asein attempted to explain that the cameraman was not recording, he reportedly struck her on the shoulder in an attempt to slap her.
“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, through its Chairman and the Secretary, Festus Alenkhe and Andy Egbon, condemned the alleged assault, calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Okungbowa by the Nigeria Police and other security agencies.
The union described the act as an attack on press freedom, journalist safety, and the right of media professionals to carry out their duties without intimidation or violence.
“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.
Edo journalists assaulted by Gov Okpebholo’s aide, NUJ condemns attack
