During the initial day of a ten-day protest against poor governance in Nigeria, journalists and activists were subjected to assault, handcuffed, and taken into custody at an undisclosed location.
Prior to this incident, the State government had conducted multiple meetings with various groups over several days in an attempt to discourage people from participating in the protest.
The situation escalated yesterday with a press briefing by the Chairman of the ruling party in the State, APC, Alphonsus Eba, affirming the party’s intention to organize a solidarity march against the planned protest. He also warned of consequences for anyone found protesting against the government, deeming it an act of undermining the state and federal authorities.
Among those detained was Mr. Jonathan Igbal, the managing editor of an online newspaper, CrossRiverWatch in the State.
The individuals taken into custody were manhandled and forcibly escorted by security personnel into awaiting buses and SUVs, heading towards an undisclosed destination.
The journalists had been shadowing some activists around the well-known Mary Slessor circle in Calabar, where a small group had gathered to initiate the ten-day protest against alleged inadequate governance.
Names of the other apprehended activists remain unknown at this time.
Prior to his arrest and mistreatment, Ugbal had shared a video in the morning illustrating the deserted roads around the Mary Slessor roundabout. He had also provided other critiques regarding governance in the state.
Reacting to the situation, human rights activist James Ibor condemned the arrest and mistreatment of the activists and journalists, labeling it as unacceptable and reprehensible.
He alleged that the security operatives who mistreated the journalists arrived in four vehicles and were heavily armed.
“We challenge the authorities to present any proof that Ugbal and others incited violence.”
“I strongly suspect that these security agents are affiliated with the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu.
However, I am confident that Governor Otu, being a leader focused on the people, would not condone such brutality.”
“This situation is extremely disheartening. It is a letdown, and we urge Governor Otu to facilitate the release of these journalists and activists, whom I believe are currently in government custody.”