he Take-It-Back Movement (TIB), Bauchi State Chapter, has condemned the alleged assault and intimidation of journalists by personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State.
TIB, in a statement signed by its Bauchi State Coordinator, Nazif Bashi, on Tuesday, alleged that the incident occurred during the commissioning of a 500KVA solar power installation at the game reserve.
According to the group, a DSS personnel attached to a security team accompanying officials of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) allegedly assaulted Bashir Adamu of Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC) while he was covering the event.
The group further alleged that the same officer obstructed Isyaka Wunti of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) from carrying out his journalistic duties, despite the journalist identifying himself as a member of the accredited media team.
“TIB Bauchi has independently spoken with an eyewitness who confirmed that he personally witnessed the incident,” Bashi said.
The group said the eyewitness account had heightened concerns over the allegations and reinforced the need for an impartial investigation to establish what transpired.
“While we do not seek to prejudge the outcome of any investigation, TIB Bauchi considers any act of physical assault, intimidation, threat, or obstruction against journalists carrying out legitimate duties to be unacceptable,” he added.
TIB said security agencies must not abuse their powers or use their responsibilities as a basis for intimidating members of the press.
“Security personnel are entrusted with protecting citizens and maintaining public order. That responsibility must never become a license to intimidate, harass or physically assault members of the press,” Bashi said.
The group called on the DSS to urgently investigate the conduct of the officer allegedly involved and make its findings public.
TIB also urged the Bauchi State Government and other relevant authorities to provide institutional support to the affected journalists and ensure their safety.
The group further called on the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and other media organisations to intervene and protect the rights and safety of the journalists.
It also demanded an impartial investigation by relevant law-enforcement and oversight authorities if formal complaints are lodged, insisting that anyone found culpable should be held accountable under the law.
TIB urged journalists and media organisations to continue documenting and reporting cases of intimidation or interference with legitimate journalistic activities.
“A free press cannot function effectively in an environment where journalists fear physical assault or intimidation from those entrusted with public security,” Bashi said.
“TIB Bauchi stands in solidarity with journalists who are subjected to harassment or intimidation in the course of performing their constitutional and professional responsibilities.
“We call for truth, accountability, and justice, not impunity.”
Yankari National Park Approach Road, Alkaleri 74, Bauchi, Nigeria
