By Najib Sani
A journalist with Albarka Radio, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Muhammad Adamu, was allegedly brutalised by a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Bununu town, Tafawa Balewa local government area of the state over the weekend while covering Sallah festivities.
Adamu was sent by the station to cover the celebrations in Bununu, headquarters of Tafawa Balewa local government when the DPO allegedly tried to bar him from attending the events, the altercation that led to the journalist’s molestation by the DPO and his men.
Adamu, who is receiving treatment at a clinic in the area, alleged that the attack was perpetrated by SP Jamilu Kabir, Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the area.
The journalist said as he moved further to introduce himself, the DPO allegedly insulted him, leading to the violent confrontation.
“The DPO abused me and I retorted, because he refused to allow me to cover the festivities despite identifying myself as a journalist, so he started beating me and his officers joined by hitting me with sticks,” Adamu said in an interview.
“This is not the first time police in Bauchi are molesting journalists”, he claimed.
Adamu cited a recent case where an AIT cameraman was also assaulted by police in the state.
Our correspondent reports that the incident has sparked calls for the commissioner of police in charge of the state to investigate and punish those responsible.