By Amaka Okafor
The Nigeria Union of Journalists Ebonyi State Council, has condemned the attack on 10 journalists in Ezza South Local Government Area, calling on security agencies and the state government for arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
The union on Wednesday warned that continued attacks on media practitioners could force it to boycott the coverage of political activities of any party whose members assault journalists.
The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency congress held in Abakaliki the state capital and signed by the NUJ Chairman, Nwafor Samson, Secretary, Dr. Chinaza John, and members of the communiqué drafting committee, Comrade Chika Igwe, Comrade Okoro-Egwu Justin and Comrade Igiri Sylvia.
The affected journalists, all members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, were reportedly attacked on Saturday while travelling in the chapel’s branded Toyota Hiace bus to cover the defection of Mr. Ifeanyi Nworie to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Ikwuato Idembia community in Ezza South Local Government Area. The attackers allegedly attempted to set the vehicle ablaze.
Condemning the incident, the union alleged that the assault was carried out by political thugs led by one Barrister Friday Agbom, describing the attack as barbaric and a direct assault on press freedom and democratic values.
“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. 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,” the communiqué stated.
The union expressed concern that journalists carrying out legitimate professional assignments could become targets of violence, especially in the build-up to the 2027 general elections. “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,” it added.
The communiqué urged security agencies and the Ebonyi State Government to ensure that those behind the attack are brought to justice. “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,” it stated.
The union also resolved to formally notify Governor Francis Nwifuru, security agencies, political parties and the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) over the incident.
The NUJ further appealed to political parties to caution their members and supporters against harassing journalists, warning that any further attack on media practitioners by any political actors would not be tolerated. It stressed that the work of journalists is carried out in the public interest and urged citizens not to condone acts of impunity against the media.
The congress also commended the Ebonyi State Government for the proposed establishment of the Abakaliki Cement Factory, describing it as a landmark project capable of creating thousands of jobs and boosting the state’s economy.
It equally praised Governor Francis Nwifuru for approving the 2026 promotion and conversion exercise for civil servants, saying the decision had renewed workers’ confidence and would encourage greater commitment and productivity in the public service.
