The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Bauchi State Council has strongly condemned the alleged assault and intimidation of two journalists by a Department of State Services, DSS, officer at the Yankari Game Reserve on Tuesday.
The Council said the officer, attached to a visiting delegation of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, allegedly slapped Bashir Adamu of Bauchi Radio Corporation, BRC, three times and threatened him with a gun while he was on official duty.
The same officer also allegedly harassed Isyaka Wunti of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, and prevented him from carrying out his assignment.
Both journalists were accredited members of the Bauchi State Government House Press Crew and were wearing proper identification while covering the commissioning of a 500KVA solar power station executed by the Bauchi State Government.
In a statement signed by the Council Chairman, Comrade Umar Sa’idu, and Secretary, Isah Garba Gadau, the NUJ described the conduct as “unacceptable and a direct attack on press freedom.”
“The Council is particularly concerned that Bashir Adamu was assaulted in public while performing legitimate journalistic duties, despite being duly accredited. The journalists did not retaliate or engage in confrontation. They reported the matter to their leadership for appropriate action,” the statement said.
The NUJ acknowledged that security agencies have a duty to maintain order and protect public officials. However, it stressed that such duties must be carried out within the law and with full respect for the rights and dignity of accredited journalists.
The Union demanded an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident and identification of the DSS officer involved as well as appropriate disciplinary and legal action against the officer if found culpable.
It also demanded assurances from the DSS and other security agencies that journalists covering official engagements in Bauchi State will be protected from intimidation, harassment, assault and unlawful interference.
It also called for proper briefing of security personnel deployed to official events on the roles and rights of accredited journalists.
“The safety of journalists is non-negotiable. The Council will not remain silent whenever our members are subjected to assault or intimidation in the course of their legitimate professional duties,” the statement said.
The NUJ also called on all security agencies to uphold professionalism and respect for press freedom, which it described as fundamental to democracy and accountable governance.
It further urged its members to remain professional, law-abiding and committed to responsible journalism.
Government House Press Crew Backs NUJ, Welcomes DSS Intervention
The Bauchi State Government House Press Crew, the mother body of the affected journalists, aligned with the NUJ’s position and commended the State Director of the DSS for his prompt intervention.
In a statement by its Chairman, John Habila Murai, the Press Crew said the DSS Director immediately convened a meeting with the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Usman Usman Shehu; Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado; the Press Crew leadership; and the affected journalist, Bashir Adamu.
The meeting agreed on establishing a standing liaison mechanism to address future misunderstandings and strengthen communication between security agencies and the media.
The Press Crew welcomed the DSS Director’s assurance that the matter would be investigated and disciplinary action taken if the officer is found culpable.
“While we condemn any form of assault or harassment of journalists, we believe the DSS leadership’s prompt response demonstrates institutional accountability. Security agencies must protect lives and property, but journalists must also be allowed to perform their constitutional duties without fear,” Murai said.
The Press Crew thanked the NUJ Bauchi Council, the Commissioner for Information, and the Special Adviser on Media for their solidarity and intervention.
The incident, the NUJ and Press Crew said, underscores the urgent need for stronger understanding and cooperation between the media and security agencies to ensure a safe environment for journalism in Bauchi State.