Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has condemned the alleged assault on an Albarka Radio journalist, Mohammed Adamu, by police officers during the Eid Durbar celebration in Bununu, Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
In a statement issued on Monday in Lagos, the group described the incident as a serious attack on press freedom and the safety of journalists, calling for an immediate, transparent investigation and accountability for those involved.
According to reports, Adamu was covering the event in his professional capacity when he was stopped by officers reportedly led by Divisional Police Officer, Jamilu Kabir.
The journalist said he was prevented from accessing the designated media area and was beaten after insisting on carrying out his duties despite identifying himself as a journalist.
He was allegedly assaulted with sticks, sustaining head injuries, verbally abused, and forced to leave the venue. He was later treated at a medical facility.
MRA’s Programme Officer, John Gbadamosi, expressed concern over what he described as a growing pattern of harassment and attacks on journalists in Bauchi State and across the country. He said such actions violate journalists’ rights and undermine the public’s access to information.
Gbadamosi noted that both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights frameworks guarantee journalists the right to operate without intimidation or violence, stressing that security agencies are obligated to protect media practitioners.
The organisation urged the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to order a thorough investigation, identify the officers involved, and ensure they are prosecuted if found culpable.
MRA also called for measures to address recurring attacks on journalists, including improved training for police personnel, clearer operational guidelines, and stricter disciplinary actions for misconduct.
It further urged the Federal Government to uphold its commitment to media freedom by ensuring that security agencies respect journalists’ rights, warning that failure to punish perpetrators encourages impunity and threatens independent journalism in Nigeria.