Attack on Osun Journalist: NUJ threatens to stop coverage of NSCDC activities

By Matthew Eloyi

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council has denounced the attack by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on one of its members, Toba Adedeji, who is a reporter of The Nation Newspaper in Osun State.

Adedeji was reportedly battered by the NSCDC men at the state headquarters of the agency during a protest by some students on Tuesday.

He was said to have gone to the NSCDC office to cover a protest against the shooting by its officers attached to the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola.

While covering the protest, the officers claimed Adedeji was a “police spy” sent to spy on the security agency. He was arrested and thoroughly beaten by the officers before he was released.

Reacting, the NUJ in a statement by its Chairman, Wasiu Ajadosu and Secretary, Bukola Elufadejin on Wednesday described the attack as barbaric and uncivilized

The NUJ said the unprovoked attack on a journalist carrying out his lawful duty was more shocking because it was carried out by security agents, who are expected to be above board in their professional conduct.

The statement noted that the union will no longer condole such attack on its members especially at this political season and cautioned security agents not to allow themselves to be used for political game in the state.

The NUJ, therefore, demanded a public apology from Osun State command of the NSCDC, adding that the union would not be left with any other option than to stop the coverage of all activities of the command if it fails to apologise to the union.