NUJ Protests Attack On NTA Reporter In Yobe
By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
The NTA Damaturu Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has condemned in strong terms the brutal assault on Baba Gana Kolo, the NTA correspondent covering the Yobe State House of Assembly.
According to the union, the attack took place on November 6, 2025, on the orders of one Yakubu Zakari Deba, the Chief Security Officer to the state governor.
Describing the incident as “barbaric and unacceptable,” the NTA Chapel said the action was a deliberate attempt to intimidate and silence the media.
It further condemned the assault as “a throwback to the dark days of impunity and abuse of power,” and demanded for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the CSO by the Yobe State Police Command.
The statement signed by Aliyu Mohammed Babi, Chairman of the NTA Damaturu Chapel, said “This egregious act of violence has no place in a democratic society.”
“We demand swift and decisive action from the police and the Yobe State Government to protect journalists and uphold press freedom.”
The union also urged the Yobe State Government to take concrete steps to safeguard journalists across the state and create conducive environment for media professionals to work without fear, intimidation, or harassment.
It called on the management of NTA Damaturu to provide comprehensive support to the assaulted journalist including medical care, legal backing, and protection to enable him to continue his duties confidently.
Reaffirming its commitment to defending press freedom, the Chapel vowed to ensure that justice is served and that such an incident never repeats itself.
Copies of the statement have been sent to the Commissioner of Police, the state Director of DSS, Commissioner for Information, state Chairman of NUJ, and the National President, NUJ.
