The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has strongly condemned the alleged assault on two journalists from the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) by a senior aide to Governor Monday Okpebholo. The incident, which occurred on Monday at the Festival Hall of the Edo State Government House in Benin City, has sparked public concern and renewed calls for better protection of journalists in the line of duty.
The reporters—Mrs. Juliet Enabulele-Asein, a female correspondent with EBS, and a cameraman, Mr. Bright Osifo—were at Government House to cover an empowerment programme organised for 250 physically challenged persons in the state. The programme, meant to be a social support initiative, was attended by several government officials, beneficiaries, and members of the media.
However, what was intended to be a peaceful event turned chaotic when an aide to the governor, Mr. Kelly Okungbowa, popularly known as Ebo Stone, allegedly attacked the journalists. The altercation reportedly began when a group of non-beneficiaries attempted to force their way into the venue. Security personnel and event organisers tried to control the situation by escorting them through a side entrance, attracting the attention of those inside the hall.
According to eyewitness accounts, Okungbowa confronted cameraman Bright Osifo, accusing him of recording the brief commotion. Despite attempts by the journalists to explain that Osifo was not filming the incident, the argument escalated.
Mrs. Enabulele-Asein, who tried to clarify the situation, said she informed Okungbowa that the cameraman worked for the state-owned broadcasting corporation and was not recording the scene as alleged. She claimed that the governor’s aide ignored her explanation and attempted to slap her, hitting her shoulder in the process.
“I told him the cameraman was not recording and even pointed out that he was working for the state government-owned station, but he ignored me,” she said, describing the experience as humiliating and unprovoked.
The incident left both journalists shaken and prompted reactions from colleagues and media organizations across the state.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its Chairman, Festus Alenkhe, and Secretary, Andy Egbon, the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists condemned the attack and demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of Okungbowa. The union described the alleged assault as a direct attack on press freedom and an attempt to intimidate journalists while they performed their legitimate duties.
The statement read: “The NUJ will no longer tolerate attacks on journalists in the line of duty. We urge the public, particularly public officials, to exercise restraint and respect the constitutional role of the media in strengthening democracy and ensuring accountability.”
The union called on the Edo State Police Command and other security agencies to treat the matter urgently, stressing that assault on journalists threatens not only the safety of media workers but also the public’s right to information.
Nigeria continues to face serious challenges regarding press freedom. Over the years, journalists in many states have reported cases of harassment, intimidation, unlawful arrests, and assaults during public assignments. Press groups have repeatedly warned that violence against journalists weakens democracy, especially in a country where the media plays a critical role in exposing corruption, promoting accountability, and informing citizens.
The alleged assault has attracted reactions from media stakeholders, civil society groups, and members of the public. Many described the incident as unacceptable and called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to take decisive action against his aide to send a strong message that violence against journalists will not be tolerated in the state.
Some Edo residents took to social media to express anger over the development, arguing that journalists working for a state-owned media organisation should not be subjected to violence during official government programmes.
Others noted that such attacks discourage journalists from covering public events, which may affect transparency in governance.
As of the time of this report, the Edo State Government has not released an official statement addressing the incident or confirming whether disciplinary action will be taken against Okungbowa. Attempts to reach the governor’s media team for comments were unsuccessful.
Journalists and civil society groups are now waiting for the government’s response, hoping it will handle the matter with seriousness to avoid setting a dangerous precedent.
The NUJ has urged media houses and journalists to prioritize their safety when covering public events, especially those involving high-ranking officials or large crowds. The union also called for better coordination between government event organizers and media teams to reduce the risk of confrontations.