The much-anticipated coronation of the 44th Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, was nearly marred by violence meted out by soldiers on members of the ARISE News crew in Ibadan, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.
One of the assaulted journalists narrated the ordeal: “The soldiers came in huge numbers with daggers, guns, heavy sticks and started beating us.
“They used daggers and destroyed our OB truck’s tyres. I managed to capture their animalistic act on phone before one of them sighted me and pointed a gun at me.
“I had to jump from a storey building to escape been shot.”
Speaking during the What’s Trending segment on ARISE News on Friday, host Ojinika Okpe said: “We received early this morning news about soldiers attacking ARISE crew members. I believe the military has apologised but it was quite unfortunate to see that happen given the circumstances.”
The incident, described as “very embarrassing,” unfolded during a period of joy when the people of Ibadan, joined by well-wishers including the president, traditional rulers and the media, gathered to celebrate the enthronement of the new monarch.
ARISE News Anchor Dr Reuben Abati condemned the assault as an attack on press freedom. “Whether it’s in Gaza or on the streets of Paris or on the streets of Nigeria, no journalist should be brutalized, victimized, harassed, intimidated in the course of the discharge of his or her duties.”
He further reminded authorities of the shared role of soldiers and journalists in building the nation. “The point we are making is that soldiers and journalists are partners in the business of building this country… And each time we hear that uniformed persons turn their anger on professionals doing their work, it saddens us. It makes us very unhappy.”
While the military has issued an apology, Abati urged stronger measures. “We hope that the military authorities will go a step further and identify those errant soldiers and sanction them accordingly so that in the future there will be no repeat.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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