From Gyang Bere, Jos
Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Plateau State Council has condemned the attack on 14 Journalists and Senator representing Plateau South by angry mob in Namu, Quaanpan Local Government Area of Plateau State that lead to the burning of the Council bus and or valuables.
Chairman of the Council, comrade Paul Jatau who addressed press conference on Friday in Jos also placed a banner on coverage of political activities outside Jos, the state capital until security is provided for Journalists.
He lamented that the angry mob attacked Journalists and the entourage of Sen. Dadu’ut after she had commissioned an ICT Hub/E-Library in the community.
Jatau explained the incident, “After the commissioning and they made to leave, the roads were blocked and they were surrounded by the hoodlums.
“The attackers claimed that four of their members were arrested by armed security men while the programme was ongoing. The hoodlums were said to have been angered by the arrest of a suspected wanted kidnap kingpin by security agencies, and thus decided to vent their anger on passers by and any innocent person they encountered.
“The hoodlums then demanded that the senator must secure the release of their members before they would clear the roads.
“While no life was lost, the Union’s Hummer Bus donated by the Plateau State Government was burnt alongside the Senator’s pilot Hilux van.
“We therefore, call on security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act and punish them accordingly to serve as deterrent to others contemplating such action. We indeed, call on government to come down hard on the perpetrators as Namu has become a hotbed of violence and criminality and the state cannot be afford to continue on that path.”
Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has expressed outrage over an attack on Senator Nora Dadu’ut and some journalists in the state.
The attack which was orchestrated by hoodlums who were said to have been angered by the arrest of a suspected wanted kidnap kingpin by security agencies, and thus decided to vent their anger on passers by and any innocent person they encountered.
This led to the burning of one of the security vehicles of the Senator, the damage of her official vehicle as well as the complete burning down of the NUJ Press bus which conveyed members of the Union to cover the event.
Lalong while sympathising with the Senator and Members of the NUJ over the despicable act, directed security agencies to conduct thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that the culprits are fished out and brought to justice.
He praised the response of security forces who reinforced to contain the situation, restore calm and take charge of the general area, vowed that criminal elements will not be allowed room to operate in any part of the State under his watch.
The Governor appeals to law abiding citizens of the area and the entire State to be vigilant and also beware of the antics of criminals and their sponsors who are desperate in orchestrating trouble for selfish gains.
