The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has strongly condemned the recent attack on journalists of ARISE NEWS by political thugs in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The union expressed outrage over the incident, which occurred on January 2, 2026, when the ARISE NEWS crew was assaulted and their broadcast equipment forcefully taken during a live interview at a hotel in the state capital.
Speaking at a press conference held on Friday evening at the NUJ state council secretariat, the National Vice President for Zone F, Mr. Opaka Dokubo, who represented the union’s national president, said journalists are apolitical professionals who must be allowed to carry out their duties without intimidation or harassment.
Dokubo stressed that journalists provide a neutral platform for all voices and should not be dragged into partisan disputes. He noted that the media exists to promote peace, accountability and national development, and does not operate as an enemy of any political group.
While commending the police for their swift response to the distress call that followed the attack, the NUJ insisted that recovery of stolen equipment was not sufficient.
According to him, the union demands the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the attack to serve as a deterrent and prevent a recurrence of such violence against journalists in the state.
“As we approach the 2027 election cycle, this incident raises serious concerns for the safety of journalists,” Dokubo said, urging media practitioners to be extremely security-conscious while performing their professional duties.
He reminded journalists that only those who remain alive can continue to tell stories that shape public discourse, adding that justice in the ARISE TV case is crucial to restoring confidence among media workers operating in an increasingly tense political environment.
The NUJ maintained that none of the perpetrators of what it described as a “heinous act” against the press should be allowed to go unpunished.
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