Policemen from Ovwian/Aladja Divisional Headquarters on Saturday allegedly attacked a journalist working with the Vanguard Newspaper in Warri, Mr. Akpokona Omafuaire Esq.
The Policemen led by one Sergeant Godspower also inflicted bodily injuries with a machete on the former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Warri Correspondents’ Chapel.
In addition, they vandalized the Toyota Camry car of the journalist.
Mr. Akpokona who is also a lawyer said he was driving out of his street when he met the policemen blocking the entrance into street.
He said, “They stopped me and I obeyed. I introduced myself as I tendered my identity card to the Policemen.
“I begged them to allow me pass but Sergeant Godspower refused and harassed me. His other colleagues joined him and he (Sergeant Godspower) cut my back with machete saying we journalists are supporting the #ENDSARS Protesters. They vandalized my car. I don’t know what to do now.”
When contacted for comments, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya in a telephone chat with Our Correspondent admitted that the Journalist, Mr. Akpokona Omafuaire called to inform her of the incident.
She said, “He called me this morning. The Journalists are sometimes becoming our problems and I told him we want to reduce those moving on the road. They should use their legs and not to go too far from their houses.
“You people are supporting the protesters. They were showing on AIT News yesterday. With the supports you’re giving to the protesters, ‘dem no destroy media houses?’ We are trying to contain this thing. You people are adding to it.”
When asked whether the incident actually occurred, DSP Onovwakpoyeya said, “He(Akpokona) was not attacked.
“He told me that they blocked close to their place and I told him we are not only securing the Station, they’re securing other facilities.”
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