By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Rivers State Police Command, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, strongly condemned and dissociated itself from the molestation and brutalization of some working journalists in the State during Monday’s nationwide protest by the “Take-It-Back Movement”.
The Source reports that the Rivers Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ ,on Tuesday April 8, in a statement, decried what it described as unwarranted, barbaric, unprovoked and inhuman treatment meted out to some of its members during the protest.
It subsequently issued a 14-day dateline for the Police authorities to tender an unreserved apology or face a boycott of their activities and other lawful actions.
“The NUJ, as a watchdog of the society will not sit idly-by while media practitioners are subjected to acts of barbarism and brutality.
“Enough is enough. Any further attacks on working journalists in the State would be vehemently resisted, the NUJ stated.
However, reacting to the development on Wednesday, the Rivers State Police Command in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, informed that it has also instituted an inquest to unravel what actually transpired during the protest.
Meanwhile, the Command condemned what it called over zealousness on the part of some of its officers in the discharge of their duties.
While acknowledging its strategic partnership with working journalists in the State, the Police authorities assured of their determination to treat the issue at stake with utmost seriousness, promising to make public the outcome of their investigations.
“The Rivers state Police Command has received with concern the complaints by our Strategic partner, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, over the alleged assault on its members by some Police Officers during a recent planned protest.
The Command unequivocally condemns this unfortunate incident and has commenced a full and thorough investigation into the matter.
“Preliminary findings have led to the identification of some personnel who are currently undergoing questioning as part of the ongoing inquiry.
“The Rivers State Police Command holds Journalists in the highest regard, recognizing their critical role in fostering peace, security and development through their reportage and public enlightenment.
“We value the long-standing relationship and collaborative efforts shared with the NUJ, and regrets any action that may have strained this bond.
“We assure the NUJ, its members,
and the general public that this matter will be treated with the seriousness it deserves, and will not be swept under the carpet.
“Upon the conclusion of the investigations, the Command will make public its findings and the measures taken to address the situation”, the Police stated
The Command insisted that being very much aware of the planned protest, its presence at the venue was simply to ensure the safety of lives and properties of the people.
It, however, regretted that the actions of some overzealous officers have tended to overshadow the good intentions of the Service concerning the planned protest.
“It is important to clarify that the Command was aware of the planned protest and proactively deployed personnel to provide adequate security cover for all citizens residents peace-loving members of the public, and most importantly, the press.
“Our presence at the scene was instrumental to preventing criminal elements from hijacking what was intended to be a peaceful protest .
“The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property across Rivers state and will continue to carry out its duties with professionalism ,empathy and respect for human rights”, the Police further assured .
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