Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ebonyi State Council has barred journalists from covering any activity in the Ezza North local government area following the attack on three journalists who were in the council on official duties.
Armed youths in the Nkomoro community in the council attacked Mr Inya Uchenna of The Sun Newspapers, Dr Chinelo Okoro, and Sir Godwin Oguta, both of Radio Nigeria, Unity FM, Abakaliki, during the coronation of the traditional ruler of the community, which later turned violent.
NUJ said the ban would not be lifted until they compensate the victims for their losses and tender unreserved written apology to them and the union.
The directive was contained in a statement signed by the NUJ chairman, Comrade Samson Nwafor, and secretary, Mr Nnamdi Akpa, after an emergency congress meeting.
The council condemned the dastardly act and called on the state government and the police commissioner to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.
He said, “Congress condemns in its strongest terms, the attack on three members of the union, Mr Inya Uchenna of The Sun newspaper, Dr Chinelo Okoro and Sir Godwin Oguta, both of Radio Nigeria, Unity FM, Abakaliki, at Nkomoro Community in Ezza North LGA of Ebonyi State, on Saturday, June 15, 2024, by suspected hoodlums during a coronation event in the area.
“Congress describes the attack as not just crude and brutal, but an apparent attempt to intimidate, subdue and force Journalists into self-censorship.
“Congress bemoans the unconcerned attitude of the people of Nkomoro community about the unprovoked attack as they are yet to sympathise with the victims of this attack more than four days after the incident,” he said.
