Police urges journalists covering protest to dress in their media outfits

Police urges journalists covering protest to dress in their media outfits

The FCT police command has instructed journalists covering the ongoing nationwide protests against economic hardship to wear attire identifying their respective media organizations to avoid being mistaken for protesters.

On Saturday, the third day of demonstrations, protesters in Abuja gathered at Moshood Abiola Stadium with flags and placards. However, police at the stadium fired into the air, released tear gas and dispersed the protesters.

Masked Department of State Services (DSS) operatives were also present at the stadium in seven vehicles. As police arrested those on the ground, other operatives shot at protesters and journalists, forcing them to run for cover. Bullets even pierced a car transporting journalists away from the location.

READ ALSO:

• 90 killed as Bangladesh protesters insist Hasina must quit
• Poverty: Shehu Sani accuses northern leaders, ex-presidents
• Cleric advises parents to lead by example in raising righteous children

SP Josephine Adeh, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, issued a brief statement on Sunday night. She said the commissioner of police, CP Benneth Igweh, directed her to inform journalists covering the protests to bring a valid means of identification and to wear attire that clearly shows their affiliation with media organizations.