The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has strongly condemned the attack on a broadcast journalist, Amb. Allwell Ene, by suspected hoodlums in Port Harcourt.
Ene, who works with Naija FM, Beat FM, and Classic FM, was reportedly assaulted on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Garrison Junction while carrying out his legitimate duty of news gathering.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the council, Comrade Paul Bazia-Nsaneh, and Secretary, Dr Ijeoma Tubosia, the union described the incident as “unwarranted” and a gross violation of press freedom and the rights of journalists.
According to the statement, the journalist was brutally attacked by the assailants, leaving him with multiple injuries, including lacerations and swollen eyes.
The attackers were also said to have destroyed his mobile phone, torn his clothes, and forcefully taken him to an unknown location before he was later rescued.
“The NUJ is disheartened over the ugly incident. 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,” the statement read.
The union further described the attack as unacceptable in a civilised society, stressing that no journalist should be subjected to violence while performing professional duties.
“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 added.
The NUJ has called on the Rivers State Police Command to immediately apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.
It also urged the government to take necessary steps to support the victim, including adequate compensation for the trauma and injuries suffered.
The council further emphasized the need for strengthened measures to protect journalists and prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the state.(PHFreshNews Medium)
