A journalist was allegedly attacked on Tuesday during an endorsement rally organized by traders and market unions in support of the second-term bid of Governor Francis Nwifuru in Abakaliki.
The incident occurred at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, venue of the event, following reported factional disagreements among traders and market union leaders.
Mr. Polycarp Sola of Eye Witness News was allegedly assaulted while recording activities at the rally.
Sola said he had attended the event on the invitation of a market leader, Mr. Obeji Linus, to cover the endorsement.
“I only came to cover the event as invited; unknown to me, there are factional issues within the market leadership. Well, I was beaten; my face, eyes, and nose are currently in pain. They seized my phone. Thanks for the intervention of an assistant to the Ebonyi state governor who came and recovered it.
“It’s very saddening that the same people we try to air their views to the public, and even sometimes give voices in their behalf, are the ones now attacking us; it’s very sad, and there’s a need for journalists to be protected in the system,” he said.
Another journalist at the scene was reportedly warned not to record video but was not assaulted, following the intervention of Mr. Uchenna Inya of The Sun, who insisted she was only carrying out her professional duty.
The rally was organized by traders and market unions to endorse Gov. Nwifuru for a second term in office ahead of the 2027 general elections.