From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Members of Bayelsa State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) have expressed concern over the rising cases of attacks against journalists in the state.
The journalists said though they have carried out their responsibilities in the state without fear or favour, rising cases of attacks and brutalisation was a deliberate show of failed responsibility by security agencies in the state.
NUJ Chairman, John Angese, who made this known during a call on the Special Adviser to the governor on Security Matters, Chief Boma Spero-Jack, said though media houses were established to educate, inform and entertain the masses, recent show of animosity and violence was hindering media houses from carrying out their duties.
According to Angese, the recent attack on Rhythm FM and robbery attack at the state-owned Niger Delta Television (NDTV) were few cases out of many others.
He appealed to the Spero-Jack to deploy men of the State Security outfit, Doo Akpo, to media houses, especially NDTV situated on the outskirts of Yenagoa.
“Attack on media houses means defiling our temple because media houses are supposed to be free to do their job without any form of molestation.
“We condemn the action, but we thank God for quick intervention of policemen who brought the situation under control. We heard some persons were arrested, however, apprehending the actors, is one thing and prosecuting them is another thing.”
In his remarks, Spero-Jack expressed concern over attacks on media establishments in the state. He describing the attacks as unfortunate and unacceptable.
He also assured journalists of the administration’s resolve to continue to do all within its power to continue to protect lives and property of the people.