A Senior Reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Musa Mikail, was allegedly assaulted by security operatives attached to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, during a Ramadan iftar at the Wadata Palace in Bida Local Government Area on Friday.
Mikail said he was standing with his cameraman when the governor’s Chief Security Officer (CSO) approached and asked them to move.
“I explained that we were not obstructing anyone and were carrying out our professional duties. Despite this, he pushed me, and other security operatives attacked me and forced me out of the event,” he alleged.
The incident occurred during an iftar hosted by the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Council, confirmed it had received a report on the matter and was reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a statement, the council urged journalists to remain calm while the matter is being investigated.
The NUJ chairman, Abu Nmodu, reportedly contacted government officials, including the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Bologi Ibrahim, to ensure the safety of the affected journalist.
However, efforts to reach the chief press secretary for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Media stakeholders said the incident raises concerns about the safety of journalists covering public events in the state.
Niger: NTA reporter allegedly assaulted by Gov Bago’s security operatives
