NUJ Slams ‘Barbaric’ Attack on Port Harcourt Journalist, Demands Swift Arrest, Justice

 

NUJ Slams ‘Barbaric’ Attack on Port Harcourt Journalist, Demands Swift Arrest, Justice

Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has strongly condemned the brutal attack on Amb. Allwell Ene, a journalist with Naija/Beat/Classic FM Port Harcourt, by unknown hoodlums while on duty.

The incident occurred on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Garrison Junction, Port Harcourt. According to a statement jointly signed by NUJ Rivers State Chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia-Nsaneh, and Secretary, Dr. Ijeoma Tubosia, Ene was carrying out a legitimate news gathering assignment when he was ambushed and violently assaulted.

The union described the attack as “unwarranted and barbaric,” noting that the journalist sustained multiple lacerations and swollen eyes. His attackers also tore his clothes, seized and destroyed his phone, and forcefully bundled him to an unknown location before he was eventually rescued.

“A Violation of Rights in a Civilized Society”

In its statement, the NUJ expressed deep dismay over the incident, lamenting that journalists are often treated as enemies rather than partners in nation building.  

“It is unacceptable that in a civilized society, a journalist will be attacked while doing his job. It is a clear case of violation of the rights of the journalist,” the statement read.

The union called on the Rivers State Police Command to immediately arrest the culprits and take decisive action to address the trauma suffered by Ene. It also urged the government to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book and that the victim is adequately compensated for the brutality meted out to him.

*Call for Preventive Measures*  

Beyond seeking justice for Ene, the NUJ Rivers State Council demanded that authorities put machinery in place to prevent future attacks on media practitioners. The union stressed that press freedom and the safety of journalists are non-negotiable in a democracy.

“Rather than treat journalists as partners in nation building, members of society have in most cases consistently treated journalists as enemies who must be crushed. This narrative must change,” the NUJ stated.

As of press time, the Rivers State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

Signed:

Comrade Paul Bazia-Nsaneh  

Chairman, NUJ Rivers State Council  

Dr. Ijeoma Tubosia  

Secretary, NUJ Rivers State Council