In recent times, there has been a disturbing surge in instances of egregious abuses of power perpetrated by uniformed individuals, resulting in the brutalization of innocent civilians, including journalists carrying out their professional duties. Urgent action is imperative from relevant authorities to quell this escalating chaos before it spirals into an unmanageable crisis. Particularly troubling is the frequency with which journalists find themselves victimized by undisciplined members of the armed forces, raising concerns of a covert effort to suppress press freedom.
Several incidents, detailed below, shed light on the alarming trend of misconduct among certain uniformed personnel:
In Ibadan, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly assaulted a journalist at a fuel station merely for refusing to yield to their queue-jumping attempts. Despite efforts to seek justice, the DSS has adamantly shielded the offending individuals from accountability. Similarly, in Delta State, journalists from various media outlets were viciously attacked by police officers and vigilante groups without provocation or justification. Shockingly, these assaults occurred under the supervision of senior police officials, illustrating a pattern of unprofessional conduct within the Ugheli A’ Division.
This is not an isolated occurrence. A previous incident in 2022 saw journalists brutalized by the same division while covering a public event, further underscoring the lack of accountability and disregard for press freedom within the ranks of law enforcement.
In another egregious case, Segun Olatunji, an editor with FirstNews, endured a harrowing ordeal after being unlawfully detained by the military for 14 days. His abduction and subsequent mistreatment highlight the impunity with which security forces operate, casting a shadow over fundamental democratic principles.
Additionally, immigration officers in Oyo State stand accused of assaulting a journalist simply for documenting their misconduct during a traffic altercation. These reprehensible acts not only violate individual rights but also erode public trust in law enforcement institutions.
The pervasive nature of these abuses underscores the urgent need for introspection within law enforcement agencies. The culture of impunity must be addressed, and those responsible for misconduct held to account. The failure to do so not only tarnishes the image of the police but also undermines the very foundation of democracy.
Press freedom is a cornerstone of any democratic society, and efforts to suppress it must be vehemently opposed. Journalists must be allowed to fulfill their vital role without fear of retribution or intimidation. However, they must also uphold professional standards and adhere to the law in their reporting, depriving ill-intentioned individuals within law enforcement of any pretext for abuse.
In conclusion, the flagrant abuses of power perpetrated by certain members of the armed forces are reprehensible and antithetical to the principles of democracy. It is incumbent upon authorities to take decisive action to address these abuses and safeguard press freedom for the collective benefit of society.
Timipre Abowei