The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has strongly condemned the alleged assault on Musa Mikail, a Senior Reporter with NTA Network News in Bida, describing the incident as a serious attack on press freedom.
In a statement, the organisation accused private security operatives, reportedly acting on the orders of Mr. Shehu Abdulai Maikano, Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Niger State Governor, of carrying out the assault.
CJID said the incident reflects a broader pattern of harassment and intimidation of journalists by state actors in Niger State, warning that such actions threaten democratic principles and freedom of expression.
“The attack is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern of hostility towards journalists and the media in the state,” the organisation stated.
The group called for the immediate identification, suspension, and prosecution of all individuals involved in the assault. It also demanded a formal apology from the Niger State Government to both Mikail and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
Furthermore, CJID urged authorities to take concrete steps to end what it described as a growing culture of repression against the press in the state. #Securitynewsalert.com
