Condemnation has greeted the physical assault and harassment of journalists covering an enforcement exercise at the Ogun – Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) in Igbesa, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Areas of Ogun State.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the State Council, and civil society groups demanding justice for the victims.

Daily Trust reports that Ogun State Television correspondent, Taiwo Fabajo, and Channels Television correspondent, Bidemi Bello, and his cameraman, Gbenga Osinuga, were assaulted by private security guards attached to the company on Wednesday while carrying out their professional duties.

The journalists were part of a team accompanying Ogun State Government officials on an enforcement exercise at the OGFTZ, when the incident occurred.

A viral video of the incident showed the journalists being physically abused and assaulted by private security operatives attached to the Chinese company operating in the area.

During the exercise, the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa, which hosts more than 30 companies, was sealed by officials of the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service for alleged non-payment of taxes.

The enforcement exercise, however, turned dramatic after security personnel attached to the facility reportedly resisted government officials, leading to the injury of two police officers and attacks on journalists covering the operation.

According to the state government, companies operating within the zone have failed to meet their tax obligations under relevant tax laws, resulting in outstanding liabilities running into millions of naira.

The enforcement team encountered resistance upon arrival, as security personnel attached to the facility allegedly barricaded the entrance, preventing government officials from gaining access to the premises.

During the confrontation, two police officers were reportedly injured, while journalists covering the exercise were also attacked.

Following the intervention of security operatives, the enforcement team eventually gained access to the facility, served the affected companies with notices of tax default, and sealed the premises.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, who confirmed the incident, was quick to add that those behind the act were not police officers.

“The command has already commenced an investigation to unravel those behind the act,” he said.

Reacting to the development, the NUJ, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Bunmi Adigun, described the attack as unacceptable and a threat to press freedom.

The union stressed that journalists must be allowed to perform their constitutional responsibilities without intimidation, harassment, assault, or any form of violence.

The union also called on the Nigeria Police Force to launch an immediate investigation and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Similarly, the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria (FIBAN), Ogun State Chapter, and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU) condemned the assault, describing it as a direct attack on press freedom, the rule of law, and the constitutional rights of media practitioners in Nigeria.

RATTAWU Publicity Secretary, Comrade Olakunle Idowu, said the unlawful physical assault, intimidation, and harassment of the journalists must not be swept under the carpet.

According to him, the actions of the private security operatives were unacceptable, condemnable, and punishable, warning that such conduct should not be tolerated in any civilised society.

“No individual or organisation, regardless of status or influence, should be allowed to gag, suppress, intimidate, harass, attack, or threaten media practitioners in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities and go unpunished,” he said.

“An injury to one is an injury to all. In solidarity, we stand.”

Also reacting, the National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Comrade Yinka Folarin, demanded that all individuals involved in the assault, including their sponsors, employers, and collaborators, be identified, arrested, and prosecuted within seven days.

In a statement co-signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adewunmi Adesina, Folarin warned against any attempt to shield the perpetrators, suppress evidence, or frustrate investigations.

The group called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately commence a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the incident.

CDHR further urged the Ogun State Government to explain the circumstances surrounding the disruption of the enforcement exercise and expose anyone who may have aided or benefited from alleged fraudulent practices linked to the company involved.

The rights group warned that if the security agencies fail to bring those responsible to justice within seven days, it would mobilise with other civil society organisations, labour activists, media stakeholders, and democratic groups for peaceful mass actions, including picketing and occupation of relevant security offices until accountability is ensured. (Daily Trust)

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