Ebonyi Journalist Assault: LG Chairman Denies Role as NUJ Demands Probe

Ebonyi Journalist Assault: LG Chairman Denies Role as NUJ Demands Probe 

Fresh details have emerged in the assault of a journalist in Ebonyi State, as the Chairman of Ishielu Local Government Area, Peace Agwu, denied any involvement in the attack on Benjamin Nworie, a correspondent with THISDAY Newspapers and former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in the state.

The incident, which has triggered outrage among media professionals, reportedly occurred in the early hours of Monday at Nworie’s residence in Ugwuechara, Abakaliki.

According to Nworie, three suspected political thugs stormed his home and confronted him at the entrance before launching a violent attack. He alleged that the assailants dragged and beat him, punching him repeatedly in the face and mouth, while also issuing death threats against him and his family.

“The thugs forcefully dragged, beat and punched me severely… They also threatened to kill my family and me. It took the intervention of neighbours to save me,” he stated.

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He added that the incident did not come as a surprise, citing what he described as ongoing harassment linked to construction activities allegedly associated with the council chairman, which he said had repeatedly obstructed access to his residence.

In a formal petition addressed to the Ebonyi State Council of the NUJ and copied to the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nworie raised alarm over his safety, warning that his life and that of his family were in danger. He called on security agencies and colleagues to intervene urgently.

The allegation has, however, been strongly denied by the Ishielu council boss, Peace Agwu, who described the claims as false and unfounded.

“It is a false allegation. I didn’t send anybody to attack him. He should bring evidence of his claim,” she said.

Despite the denial, the attack has drawn condemnation from journalists and rights advocates, with calls for a thorough investigation into the Ebonyi journalist assault.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ebonyi is expected to escalate the matter, urging law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible. Media stakeholders have warned that attacks on journalists pose a serious threat to press freedom in Nigeria and could create a climate of fear for media practitioners.

Security sources indicate that the case has been reported and is under review, with possible steps being taken to ensure the safety of the victim and his family. However, no arrests have been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

Observers say the incident highlights growing concerns about the safety of journalists, especially at the grassroots level, where political tensions and local power struggles often intersect with media work.

As pressure mounts, attention is now on authorities to conduct a transparent investigation and ensure accountability, while safeguarding journalists carrying out their duties across the country.

Ebonyi Journalist Assault: LG Chairman Denies Role as NUJ Demands Probe