Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Journalists’ unions, media rights organisations and civil society groups across Nigeria and West Africa have strongly condemned a violent assault on a reporter by police officers in Bauchi State, warning that the attack undermines press freedom, threatens democratic values, and highlights systemic challenges confronting journalists in the country. The incident occurred during the Eid Durbar celebrations held in Bununu, the headquarters of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, over the weekend, and has triggered calls for thorough investigations, sanctions against perpetrators, compensation for the victim, and broader reforms within security agencies.
According to multiple reports from national and international media advocacy outlets, the journalist at the centre of the controversy is Mohammed Adamu, a reporter with Albarka Radio based in Bauchi City. Adamu was covering the Eid Durbar festivities — a cultural and religious procession held annually to mark the end of the Muslim festival of Eid al‑Kabir — alongside other media professionals and a government information officer when he was confronted by police officers.
Witness accounts and statements by Adamu reveal that as he and his colleagues were heading toward the designated media area to cover the event, a police constable stopped him without explanation. Despite showing his press identification and identifying himself as a journalist, the officer allegedly reacted with insults and physical aggression. The situation quickly escalated when other officers joined in, beating Adamu with sticks and inflicting injuries that required hospital treatment. The assault was reportedly directed and led by the Divisional Police Officer, Superintendent Jamilu Kabir.
The assault occurred in full view of other reporters and officials, a factor that has drawn sharp criticism from media rights advocates who say security operatives should protect journalists carrying out their duties, not attack them. In response to the incident, the spokesperson of the Bauchi State Police Command, Superintendent Nafi’u Habib, confirmed that the command was aware of the event and stated that an internal investigation would be launched and appropriate action taken. However, details about who will be investigated and whether arrests have been made have not been publicly disclosed.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists Bauchi State Council issued a strong condemnation of the assault, calling it a gross violation of human rights and a direct attack on press freedom. In a public statement, the NUJ demanded that police authorities immediately investigate the conduct of the officers involved, sanction those found culpable, and ensure that the injured journalist receives full compensation, including for medical expenses and any other losses incurred due to the brutal encounter. The union also warned that if its demands are not addressed satisfactorily, it may convene an emergency congress to strategise further actions to defend journalists’ rights.
Joining NUJ’s call, the International Press Centre deplored the assault as part of a broader pattern of threats to media practitioners in Nigeria. The IPC emphasised that attacks on journalists not only jeopardise individual safety but also erode the flow of information essential for accountability, transparency and democratic engagement. According to IPC, ensuring the safety of reporters and media crews is imperative for upholding democratic norms and enabling citizens to access reliable information.
Beyond national statements, regional and civil society organisations have expressed outrage over the incident. The West Africa Editors Society condemned the unprovoked attack on Adamu and called for an independent investigation. WAES highlighted that police officers, as part of their policing mandate, are required to protect life and ensure freedom of expression, making their use of violence against a journalist particularly troubling. WAES also stressed that the assault undermines regional efforts to strengthen media freedom and safety across West Africa.
In addition, the Centre for Information Technology and Development urged that police officers involved in the assault be prosecuted. CITAD’s statement echoed demands for accountability and respect for constitutional rights, stressing that assaulting a journalist undermines democratic principles and the rule of law. The organisation called on security agencies to adopt clearer guidelines on handling the press and to immediately discipline those responsible.
The WikkiTimes Media Foundation also condemned the attack and announced plans for legal action against the officers and the Bauchi State Police Command. The Foundation’s response pointed to concerns that without legal consequences, similar assaults could recur, endangering press freedom and chilling journalistic work in the country.
Those tracking media rights in Nigeria note that while most confrontations between security forces and journalists occur in high‑tension situations such as protests or election coverage, this incident underlines that even routine, peaceful events can become sites of violation when protocols for press protection are absent or ignored. Advocacy groups point to national and international freedom of expression standards that call on police and other law enforcement agents to respect journalists’ rights and avoid interference, harassment or violence.
Local observers in Bauchi State have also expressed alarm at the incident, stating that attacks on journalists reflect poorly on the reputation of security agencies and could dampen the willingness of reporters to cover public events, especially in areas with complex security climates. Bauchi State, and particularly areas such as Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, have experienced historical tensions and challenges, though not directly related to free press issues. The assault has nonetheless added to existing concerns about civil liberties, safety and accountability in the region.
Media groups have called for professional training programmes for security forces on journalists’ roles, rights and the importance of facilitating press work. They argue that such training could prevent escalations like the one that befell Mohammed Adamu and help build a culture of respect between security operatives and media practitioners. Advocates also continue to push for stronger legal protections that explicitly shield journalists from violence, harassment and undue interference while working.
As of the latest developments, the police command’s promised investigation is pending, with journalists, human rights defenders and civil liberty advocates monitoring the situation closely. The outcome of this case — whether leading to sanctions, prosecutions, or compensation — is widely expected to be a bellwether for press freedom and the protection of journalists in Nigeria going forward.
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