The Niger state Commissioner of Home Land Security, Major General Bello Mohammad Abdullahi retired, attacked and publicly assaulted the Voice of America reporter Mustapha Nasiru Batsari.
The Independent Mirror reported that the VOA Correspondent was attacked at the Government House Minna following his request from the Commissioner to balance the government side of the story on the efforts at preventing a reprisal attack sequel to Beji communal crisis.
The crisis between Fulani’s and Gbagi’s in Beji situated at Bosso local government area of Niger state led to the killing of four people and leaving nine persons injured.
Alh Mustapha Batsari said that he called the Commissioner severally without response, and therefore went to his office but he was not on the seat however saw him at the government house and politely approached him hence his direct assault on him publicly.
He stated that it took the intervention of people around, while the Commissioner in charge of security also threatened to deal with him decisively and tried to confiscated his recording garget despite not recording their conversation.
Alh Mustapha Batsari however expressed shock over the public assult on him by the retired senor military officer who is holding a critical office that concerns the security of lives and property of the citizens of the state yet reacting in such manners and therefore doubt his credibility of holding public office.
Reacting, Chairman Niger state council of Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Comrade Abu Nmadu condemned the action of the commissioner of home land security Affairs of attacking and assaulting journalist who is carrying out his lawful duties.
Comrade Abu Nmadu described the attack as most unfortunate, shocking and unacceptable, warning that the union will not tolerate attack and assult of any kind on his members in the state.
Also in condemnation, the chairman Correspondents Chapel of NUJ, Comrade Yakubu Mustapha Bina, said although it’s the usual attitude of the said commissioner but the chapel will no longer accept such harassment, threat, intimidation and arrogancy from the state public office holders who are to be held accountable to the public and called for his public apologies.
Comrade Mustapha Bina further advised governor Mohammed Umar Bago to look inward for a more vibrant, competent, experienced and knowledgeable retired person to breach the gap already created.
