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The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria has condemned the unwarranted assault and attack by officers of the Nigeria Police on Francis Ogbonna, a Cameraman with Arise Television, yesterday, Sunday, October 11, 2020, in Abuja.
In a release made available to National Wire and signed by Melody Lawal Program Officer/Safety Desk Officer, IPC, the organisation said, “According to reports, the police attacked and brutalized Ogbonna while interviewing protesters on an #EndSARS rally in Abuja.”
The statement reads further that, “A video recording by the victim and his colleague, Ferdinard Duroha reveals that Ogbonna was attacked by police officers who beat him and in the process inflicted him with an injury, resulting in blood gushing out of his head. The police officers also damaged his camera.”
IPC’s Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade according to the statement said, “We condemn the uncalled attack on the journalist while carrying out his legitimate duty of covering a protest.
“IPC is immediately calling on the Inspector General of Police for his intervention on this incident and many others perpetrated by police officers.
“He should ensure that the culprit is punished in accordance with the provisions of the law.”
Arogundade, also enjoined 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.
