IPC decries attack on News Central journalists, cameramen, CP pledges to take action
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Assault on News Central Television reporters and cameramen by thugs at Freedom Park in Ojota during the hunger protest in Lagos has been condemned by the International Press Centre (IPC).
News Central TV Managing Director Kayode Akintemi personally lodged a complaint with Lagos Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade when he paid a visit to him at the state Police Command on Wednesday.
IPC Press Freedom Officer Melody Akinjiyan took up the matter from there, lamenting the incident and others logged in the nationwide protest raised concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists, with hoodlums being unreleased on unarmed agitators and journalists.
“The thugs who were more than 10 attacked the crew of News Central Television, who went to the venue to monitor the situation. When the News Central crew arrived, police directed them to leave the park. They relocated to a distant location to continue their live broadcast,” Akinjiyan narrated in a statement.
“During the broadcast, the journalists were confronted by the hoodlums wielding sticks and shovels. The thugs assaulted several reporters and forced them to flee.
“Report published on Pulse.ng stated that ‘the Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has ordered an immediate investigation into this incident. He mandated the investigating team to fish out the miscreants and ensure their prosecution accordingly.
“He gave this directive yesterday when the crew, led by News Central MD, Kayode Akintemi, submitted an official complaint letter at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja’.
“IPC is, therefore, again calling on the security agencies, in particular the Commissioner of Police of Lagos State, to fulfill his pledge to go after the thugs who assaulted the journalists and interrogate the policemen who looked the other way while journalists were being attacked.”
Akintemi himself stressed in his letter of complaint the need for the police to ensure the safety and security of media personnel who are critical to the functioning of a democratic society.
Fayoade promised him the command would investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
__________________________________________________________________
Related articles:
Protests: Serving of bullets where bread is pleaded is ominous retrogression, prelude to revolution, Soyinka tells Tinubu
_________________________________________________________________