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From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State council, has called on security agencies and state government to fish out and prosecute attackers of her members, last Saturday, in Ikwuato Idembia, Ezza South Local Government Area of the state.
Ten members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in the state, including the chapel Chairman, Comrade Uchenna Inya, were attacked on their way to cover the defection of Mr. Ifeanyi Nworie to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the community, with the chapel’s branded Toyota Hiace bus.
NUJ, in a communique issued at the end of its emergency meeting in Abakaliki, the state capital, signed by the Chairman, Comrade Nwafor Samson, Secretary, Dr. Chinaza John, Comrade Chika Igwe, Comrade Okoro,-Egwu Justin, and Comrade Igiri Sylvia, 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 emphasised 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 well-branded NUJ bus conveying the journalists and described the action as barbaric.
“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, July 22, 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 emphasised that the safety and security of journalists are critical to the survival and growth of democracy”, the communique said.
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The union urged political parties in the state to caution their members and supporters against harassment and attacks on journalists, especially now that political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections have commenced.
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 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on the attack on the 10 journalists and other concerns relating to the safety and security of media practitioners in the state.
“Congress called on members of the public to recognise 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.
The union commended the state government for the proposed establishment of the Abakaliki Cement Factory, describing the initiative as laudable and urged the government to expedite action on the project.
It noted that the factory would create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for the teeming youth and mark the beginning of a new era of economic prosperity for the state.
The union also commended the governor for approving the 2026 promotion and conversion exercise for Ebonyi State civil servants, noting that the gesture has renewed hope among civil servants and will further motivate them to be more committed and productive in service to the state.
