Fish out, prosecute those who attacked our members – Ebonyi NUJ tells security agencies

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ebonyi State Council, has called on  security agencies and the state government to fish out and prosecute those who attacked its members in Ikwuato Idembia, Ezza South Local Government Area of the state.

Ten members of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists in the state, were attacked on their way to cover the defection of Barrister Ifeanyi Nworie, who left the ruling All progressives congress, APC, for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

In a communique issued at the end of its emergency meeting in Abakaliki, and signed by the Chairman, Comrade Nwafor Samson, Secretary, Dr. Chinaza John, Comrade Chika Igwe, Comrade Okoro-Egwu Justin and Comrade Igiri Sylvia, the union implored security agencies to fish out and prosecute perpetrators of the dastardly act in accordance with the law, to serve as a deterrent to others.

It emphasized that the safety and security of journalists are critical to the survival and growth of democracy.

The union condemned the unprovoked attack on the 10 journalists by the political thugs led by one Friday Agbom, who reportedly attempted to set ablaze a branded NUJ bus conveying the newsmen, and described the action as barbaric.

NUJ expressed dismay that journalists carrying out their lawful duties could be targeted by thugs, more so when allegedly led by a legal practitioner in the state, Friday Agbom.

“Congress condemned in the strongest terms the unprovoked attack on journalists who were invited to cover a political event at Ikwuator Idembia, Ezza South LGA, on Friday, 22nd July 2026.

The attack was carried out by political thugs led by Barr. Friday Agbom, who reportedly attempted to set ablaze a well-branded NUJ bus conveying the journalists.

“Congress described the action as barbaric and expressed dismay that journalists carrying out their lawful duties could be targeted by thugs, more so when led by a legal practitioner.

“Consequently, Congress called on security agencies and the State Government to fish out and prosecute the perpetrators of this dastardly act in accordance with the law, to serve as a deterrent to others. Congress emphasized that the safety and security of journalists are critical to the survival and growth of democracy,” the communique said.

The union urged political parties in the state to caution their members and supporters against harassment and attacks on journalists ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It warned that any further attack on a journalist by overzealous members or supporters of any political party would not be tolerated and may compel NUJ to boycott the coverage of activities of such party.

The union resolved to officially communicate Governor Francis Nwifuru,  security agencies, political parties and the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, over the attack on its members and other concerns relating to the safety and security of media practitioners in the state.

“Congress called on members of the public to recognize that the professional duties of journalists are in the public interest. Acts of impunity against journalists should therefore not be condoned,” the communique further said