The International Press Centre (IPC) and Media Rights Agenda (MRA) have condemned the assault on an Albarka Radio journalist, Mohammed Adamu, by police officers while covering the Eid Durbar celebration in Bununu, describing the incident as a serious threat to press freedom.
The organisations, in separate statements decried the attack as part of a growing pattern of harassment and intimidation of journalists across Nigeria, warning that such actions undermine democracy and public access to information.
According to reports, Adamu was at the event venue in the course of his professional duties when he was stopped by police officers while attempting to access the area designated for journalists.
The situation reportedly escalated when the Divisional Police Officer, Jamilu Kabir, ordered him to leave the venue despite identifying himself as a journalist.
Narrating his ordeal, Adamu said he was physically assaulted after insisting on his right to cover the event. “As I was heading to the place designated for journalists, a police constable stopped me,” he said.
“I tried to identify myself as a journalist, but he started hurling insults at me. Even as I told him I am a reporter, he began beating me. Other officers whom I knew joined in assaulting me. Many others kept beating and brutalising me,” he added.
The journalist was reportedly beaten with sticks, sustained injuries to his head and was forced to leave the venue before receiving medical treatment.
Reacting to the development, MRA’s Programme Officer, John Gbadamosi, said the incident reflects a disturbing trend of attacks on journalists.
The MRA demanded an immediate, thorough and transparent investigation into the incident, calling for the prosecution of all officers involved and compensation for the injured journalist.
“We are deeply concerned about this incident itself, which also appears to form part of a disturbing pattern of harassment, intimidation, and physical attacks against journalists in Bauchi State and across Nigeria,” he said.
He added that such actions violate constitutional and international protections guaranteeing journalists the right to gather and disseminate information without fear.
“Security agencies have a duty to protect journalists in the course of their work, and not to obstruct or brutalise them,” Gbadamosi stated.
MRA therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to order a prompt investigation, identify those responsible and ensure they are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Similarly, the IPC, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, condemned the incident, describing the treatment of the journalist as inhumane and unjustifiable.
Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, said the assault represents an abuse of power with far-reaching implications for democracy.
“The abuse of power and excessive use of force against Mohammed Adamu is very dangerous to our democracy and a major threat to press freedom. Such acts of brutality also violate the fundamental human rights of the journalist,” he said.
The IPC also called on the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani Omolori Aliyu, to investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Both organisations further urged the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen the training of its officers to promote professionalism, respect for human rights and the protection of journalists in the course of their duties.
They warned that failure to address such incidents could foster a climate of fear, discourage independent journalism and weaken accountability, particularly during public events where media coverage is essential.