The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has condemned the alleged assault on a journalist working with Albarka Radio, describing the incident as unacceptable and a violation of professional conduct.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the CP made this known during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondents’ Chapel, the management of Albarka Radio, and relatives of the affected reporter at his office.
CP Aliyu expressed deep dissatisfaction over the incident, stressing that officers are mandated to protect lives and property, not engage in acts of violence against civilians.
“I see this incident as an affront to Nigerian journalists, with whom we have built a mutual relationship over the years.
“We will investigate the matter, and appropriate sanctions and consequences will follow anyone found wanting,” he said.
He further emphasized the importance of upholding human rights, noting that police personnel are expected to exercise restraint at all times, even in the face of provocation.
“We will ensure that police and journalists protect the human rights of every Nigerian.
“A police officer is expected to exercise utmost restraint. This is a teaching moment for officers and men of the force,” he added.
The CP disclosed that he has constituted an investigative and disciplinary team to probe the incident and assured that necessary actions would be taken in accordance with the law.
