NUJ demands investigation into assault of journalists on election duty in Lagos

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned assault on staff of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) by suspected hoodlums during the election.

The BCOS had deployed a crew comprising Lekan Shobowale, a reporter, Folorunso Abiala, a cameraman, and Ope Adegoke, a driver, to cover Saturday’s governorship and state assembly elections in Lagos state.

The journalists were on the field when the hoodlums, reportedly led by a woman, attacked them at Onigbongbo area of the state.

The attackers were said to have assaulted the three journalists and damaged their equipment in the process.

In a statement on Sunday by Dupe Fehintola, the BCOS NUJ chairperson, and Olamiposi Ishola, the secretary, the union condemned the attack on the journalists.

The union also said the attack showed that the suspected thugs had something to hide during the election which was supposed to be a transparent and open exercise.

The union called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Lagos state government, and the police to ensure thorough investigation of the incident.

The NUJ also commended some “good samaritans” and security operatives who quickly rescued the team and helped them to a safe distance.

The union said the attack will not deter its members from carrying out their surveillance role to restore values and standards in all areas and sectors.