NUJ Condemns Brutal Attack on Port Harcourt Journalist

Author: Gist Correspondent

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has strongly condemned the attack on a broadcast journalist with Naija/Beat/Classic FM, Port Harcourt, Ambassador Allwell Ene, by suspected hoodlums while on official duty.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Garrison Junction in Port Harcourt, has drawn widespread concern from the union, which described the assault as unwarranted and a direct attack on press freedom.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Paul Bazia-Nsaneh, and the Secretary, Dr. Ijeoma Tubosia, the NUJ stated that Ene was carrying out a legitimate news-gathering assignment when he was accosted and brutally assaulted by unknown persons.

According to the statement, the journalist sustained multiple injuries, including lacerations and swollen eyes, as a result of the attack. The assailants were also said to have forcefully seized and destroyed his mobile phone, tore his clothes, and abducted him to an undisclosed location before he was eventually rescued.

The union expressed deep concern over what it described as a growing trend of hostility against journalists, noting that media practitioners are often treated as adversaries rather than partners in nation-building.

“The NUJ is disheartened over this ugly incident. Rather than treat journalists as partners in nation-building, members of society have, in most cases, consistently treated them as enemies who must be crushed,” the statement read.

It further described the attack as unacceptable in a civilized society, stressing that no journalist should be subjected to violence while performing lawful duties.

“This is a clear violation of the rights of the journalist,” the statement added.

The NUJ, therefore, called on the Rivers State Police Command to launch an immediate investigation into the incident and ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

The union also urged the government to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice, while demanding adequate compensation for Mr. Ene for the physical and emotional trauma he suffered.

It further called for proactive measures to safeguard journalists and prevent a recurrence of such incidents across the state.