The Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has given the Rivers State Police Command a 14-day ultimatum to issue a public apology following the assault on five journalists during a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt, or face a statewide media blackout.
In a joint statement signed by Council Chairman Paul Bazia and Secretary Ijeoma Tubosia, the NUJ condemned the actions of the police officers involved, calling for their immediate identification and prosecution. The union made it clear that any future attacks on journalists in the state would be met with strong resistance.
“The NUJ, as a watchdog of society, will not sit idly by while media practitioners are subjected to barbarism and brutality. Enough is enough,” the statement read.
The incident, which occurred during a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt, saw five journalists—Charles Opurum of Channels TV, Allwell Ene of Naija FM, Soibelemari Oruwari of Nigeria Info, Ikezam Godswill of AIT, and Femi Ogunkhilede of Super FM—being tear-gassed by the police. Opurum was reportedly beaten and detained by security operatives.
READ ALSO: Rivers Police Deny Firing at Protesters, Blame Miscreants for Unrest
The NUJ condemned the assault as “unprovoked, barbaric, and inhuman,” emphasizing that it violated the journalists’ rights and undermined their role in the media. The union expressed deep disappointment that the police, an institution responsible for protecting citizens, had instead turned against those simply doing their jobs.
Despite the attack, the NUJ reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with the police and stressed the importance of fostering a collaborative relationship for the greater good of society. However, it warned that further violence against journalists would not be tolerated.
The union urged its members to remain calm and professional, while calling on police authorities to take immediate action to address the issue and restore a respectful working relationship with the media in Rivers State.