By Francis Kobena Tandoh
The West Africa Editors Society (WAES) has condemned the assault of a Nigerian journalist in the line of duty by the police in Bauchi State, according to a statement on Monday.
The statement, signed by interim president, Emmanuel Dogbevi said the journalist, Mohammed Adamu, who works for Albarka Radio in Bauchi State was assaulted during a durbar organized in celebration of the Eid-ul-Fitr over the weekend.
The editors said the action of the police is unacceptable and condemnable by all in society.
“West Africa Editors Society is dismayed at the conduct of the police officers in Bauchi who assaulted the journalist. The conduct of the police officers is unprofessional, unacceptable, and condemnable by all right-thinking persons in the society,” read the statement.
The group stressed that police officers are under oath to protect life and property as well as to keep peace and that it is worrying for such personnel to assault journalists in the line of duty.
It called for swift investigations and bring all persons culpable to book.
“We are calling on State authorities of Bauchi to act with dispatch, investigate this grave matter and if any officers are found culpable, they should be duly made to face the law,” added the statement.
The Nigerian journalist, Adamu was reportedly in the company of other media professionals to cover the Eid durbar when he was stopped by a police constable while heading to the designated area for journalists.
According to the reports, the Bauchi police upon no provocation began assaulting Adamu despite attempt at identifying himself as a journalist.
Meanwhile, the journalist, who was said to have sustained multiple injuries has since been treated and discharged from a medical facility nearby. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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