The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, has called on security agencies and the state government to identify and prosecute those responsible for attacking journalists during the coverage of a political event in Ezza South Local Government Area.

The appeal followed an attack on 10 members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, who were on their way to cover the defection of Barrister Ifeanyi Nworie from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting in Abakaliki, the union strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a barbaric assault on media professionals carrying out their lawful duties.

The NUJ alleged that the attack was carried out by political thugs reportedly led by Friday Agbom, who allegedly attempted to set ablaze the branded NUJ bus conveying the journalists.

The union expressed concern that journalists could be targeted while performing their constitutional responsibilities, stressing that the safety and security of media practitioners are essential to the survival of democracy.

The council urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to others.

The NUJ also called on political parties in Ebonyi State to caution their members and supporters against harassing or attacking journalists ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It warned that any further attacks on journalists could force the union to boycott the coverage of political activities involving any party linked to such incidents.

The council further resolved to formally notify Governor Francis Nwifuru, security agencies, political parties and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) about the attack and other concerns regarding the safety of journalists in the state.

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