Nigeria: journalist attacked by mob
The National Union of Journalists has joined the International Federation of Journalists in condemning an assault against reporter Abubakar Tahir.
On 23 September Tahir was subjected to an arbitrary attack while covering floods in Ganuwar. Police stated the mob’s assault almost drowned the journalist, and “it took the intervention of good Samaritans in the area that he was saved from being lynched by the angry youth in the village.”
Tahir received assistance but had his phone damaged in the incident. The NUJ is urging authorities in Nigeria to take action that safeguards journalists in the country.
Anthony Bellanger, IFJ general secretary, said:
"Abubakar Tahir was only doing his job as a journalist to inform and educate the public about the devastating flood. There is an urgent need for citizens to understand that journalists are not their enemies but are simply executing their duties in the public interest. We wish Abubakar a swift recovery and call on the Nigerian government to ensure the security and safety of journalists.”