The International Press Centre ( IPC) has condemned the unwarranted assault and attack by officers of the Nigeria police on a cameraman with Arise Television, Francis Ogbonna, on Sunday, October 11, 2020, in Abuja.
IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said, “We condemn the uncalled attack on the journalist while carrying out his legitimate duty of covering a protest.”
Ogbonna was reportedly attacked and brutalised by the police while interviewing protesters during an #EndSARS rally at Abuja.
A video recording by the victim and his colleague, Ferdinard Duroha showed that Ogbonna was attacked by police officers who damaged his camera and in the process inflicted injuries on him .
IPC urged the Inspector General of Police to intervene on the increasing cases of attacks perpetrated by police officers and ensure that the culprits are punished in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Arogundade, also advised the Inspector General of Police on the need to educate police officers on the field to create a safe environment for media professionals to carry out their duties.