The International Press Centre, IPC, Lagos-Nigeria, condemns the unwarranted assault and attack by officers of the Nigeria police on Francis Ogbonna, a Cameraman with Arise Television, on Sunday, October 11, 2020, in Abuja.
According to reports, the police attacked and brutalized Ogbonna while interviewing protesters on an #EndSARS rally at Abuja.
A video recording by the victim and his colleague, Ferdinard Duroha reveals that Ogbonna was attacked by police officers who beat him and in the process inflicted him with an injury, resulting in blood gushing out of his head.
The police officers also damaged his camera.
IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said, “We condemn the uncalled attack on the journalist while carrying out his legitimate duty of covering a protest.”
IPC is immediately calling on the Inspector General of Police for his intervention on this incident and many others perpetrated by police officers. He should ensure that the culprit is punished in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Arogundade, also enjoined the Inspector General of Police on the need to educate police officers on the field to create a safe environment for media professionals to carry out their duties.
SGD:
Melody Lawal
Program Officer/Safety Desk Officer, IPC