Journalists in Nigeria had enjoyed some level of serenity in the execution of their professional duties without fear of intimidation, until the police in recent days ‘resurrected’ and began the implementation of actions that could endanger press freedom.
A reporter with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN),Taiye Elebiyo Edeni has been assaulted by security operatives, at the venue where President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned Kaduna dry port on Thursday, according to reporters.
She was physically attacked by men of the Nigerian police, without any reason or justification for the attack. She was saved by colleagues who revealed details on the violent altercation that occurred.
Edeni, a lady journalist travelled from Abuja to cover the event. She is the Transport Correspondent of the news agency of Nigeria and was duly accredited to cover the inauguration of Nigeria’s first Inland Dry Port by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The unfortunate incident happened at the main venue of the commissioning of the dry port, Down Quarters, Kakuri, ahead the arrival of President Muhammadu Buhari and his entourage.
There has been an increase in the number of violent attacks against reporters throughout Nigeria by operatives of the Nigerian Police.
Claiming orders from above, members of the SARS on New Year’s day arrested UK based Nigerian journalist Daniel Elombah, alongside the editor of Elombah.com, Mr Tim Elombah and 4 other siblings at their family compound in Anambra state.
There is currently no official reaction from the government or security agencies regarding the incident.
