Police Attack Journalist In Akwa Ibom

A journalist, Mr. Samuel Ayara working with the Akwa Ibom State Broadcasting Corporation and attached to the State House of assembly, was on Wednesday allegedly assaulted by policemen in the complex.

The policeman, Sunday Agada, according to Punch, who allegedly initiated the assault, is attached to Mr. Uduak Udoudo, a lawmaker representing Ikot Abasi State Constituency.

Naija News gathered that Ayara was attacked with tear gas and other policemen allegedly gathered around him and used the butts of their guns to hit him.

It was learnt that fear and panic gripped the people around the area as they scampered for safety to avoid being affected by the tear gas.

Ayara said, “I was going round the offices of some of lawmakers at about 12.30pm to interact with their wives who came to celebrate Valentine with their husbands. When I was in front of the office of the member representing Ikot Abasi State constituency, Mr. Uduak Udoudo, one of his security details shouted at me saying, ‘Who are you and where do you think you are going to?’

“I asked him why he yelled at me and if that was how he addressed people. Almost immediately, policemen numbering about 10 gathered around me and started beating me. Some hit me with the butts of their guns and another released a tear gas canister on my face.

“Afterwards, none of the policemen apologised to me. I am an asthmatic patient and the tear gas is dangerous to my health.”

The state Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr. Patrick Albert, condemned the assault and said he would investigate matter and meet with the Speaker regarding the incident.

“The assault on Ayara is condemnable. We cannot continue to condone a situation where our members are constantly molested while carrying out their duties,” he said.