Delta: Anti-protest group attacks four journalists

Four journalists in Asaba, Delta state were attacked by anti-protesters on Thursday.

The victims are the correspondents of The Guardian, Monday Osayande; Sahara Reporters, Amor Udemude; Punch, Matthew Ochei, and Pointer reporter Lucy Ezeliora.

Reports said the anti protesters fiercely manhandled the Journalists at the popular Inter Bua roundabout for taking pictures and interviewing the protesters.

During the attack, gadgets belonging to the newsmen were destroyed even as security personnel folded their hands until one of the military officers came to their rescue.

Meanwhile the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abaniwonda Olufemi has expressed fears that though the protesters were peaceful, they were uncoordinated.

According to him, the five groups that hit the streets refused to abide by the simple rules and laws of the land, a situation that could lead to break down of law and order.

Reacting to the protest across the state CP Olufemi said: “The protest in Asaba presently remains peaceful, but what is worrying for us is the refusal of the organizers of the protest to abide by the simple rules and laws of the land. The law says that they should converge at a place but we are seeing different groups, at the last count, five different uncoordinated groups and that might lead to break down of law and order.

“If you go round Asaba and other major cities in Delta State, you will find our men strategically placed at strategic locations to ensure that citizens can go about their lawful businesses. It has come to our knowledge that a number of businesses are closed.

“We want to encourage business owners to come out and go about their normal businesses. The government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and by extension the government of Delta State will ensure that their properties are protected and they live and carry out their economic activities.

“If you look at what happened in Asaba, innocent citizens are being assaulted and forced to join the protest. Protest is supposed to be a voluntary thing, but if it comes that people are being coerced to join, then it is no longer peaceful and the Nigerian Police has a duty to ensure that this is peaceful.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE