NUJ Decries Police Brutality Against Journalists in Rivers State, Demands Apology, Sanctions

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has strongly condemned the brutal treatment meted out by personnel of the Rivers State Police Command on several journalists covering a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt on Monday, April 7, 2024.

This condemnation was conveyed via a statement on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the NUJ Rivers State Council, Paul Bazia and Ijeoma Tubosia, PhD.

The Union labeled the actions against Charles Opurum, a Reporter with Channels Television, Allwell Ene of Naija FM, Oibelemari Oruwari of Nigeria Info, Ikezam Godswill of AIT, and Femi Ogunkilede of Super FM, as “unprovoked, barbaric, inhuman, and a violation of their rights”.

According to the NUJ, these journalists were attacked with tear gas by the Police while carrying out their legitimate duties, which was to cover a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, Mr. Opurum of Channels Television was even arrested and detained by the security agents.

Expressing dismay at the actions of the Police, the Union criticized the conduct of the police, stating that a force meant to safeguard lives and property should not become a source of fear, especially to journalists simply doing their jobs.

The Union has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Rivers State Police Command to issue a formal apology for the assault, warning that failure to comply, could result in a boycott of the Command’s activities by media professionals across the State.

“The NUJ, therefore, demands an unreserved apology from the Rivers State Police Command within 14 days for the assault against the journalists or risk its activities being boycotted by journalists in the State.”

The NUJ is also demanding that all officers involved in the incident be held accountable and face appropriate disciplinary measures.

In a firm warning, the Council stated that any further assaults on media personnel in the state would be met with strong resistance.

“NUJ as a watchdog of the society will not fold its arms and watch any arm of security agencies in the State descend to barbarism and brutalisation of innocent citizens, let alone media practitioners. Enough is enough,”

Despite the incident, the Union reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively for national development but urged the police to safeguard, not strain, the essential relationship between security agencies and the press.