By correspondent in Minna.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), has condemned attack on the Voice of America (VOA) Reporter, Mallam Mustapha Nasiru Batsari by the Niger State Commissioner for Home Land Security, Maj-Gen Mohammad Abdullahi (rtd).
Our correspondent gathered that Batsari had altercations with retired Gen. Abdullahi when he requested for an update on the clash between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in Beji, Bosso Local Government Area and efforts being made by the state government to prevent possible reprisal attacks.
Findings indicate that Batsari also requested confirmation on the exact number of casualties and what is being done to avoid reprisal attacks in the feud.
The VOA was also said to signified intension to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the clash between farmers and the herders.
In this regard,Batsari was said to have requested for the state government’s side of the story, but the Commissioner was not forthcoming and this brought about exchange of words between them.
Reacting to the attack on one of his members, the Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Abu Nmodu, advised Governor Mohamed Umar Bago to ensure that he appoints credible p and competent individuals in his cabinet.
The NUJ chairman described the circumstance surrounding the attack as ‘very unfortunate but avoidable’, adding that a responsible journalist, Batsari had sought for clarifications on what is being done to bring about lasting peace.
He noted that instead of clarifying the issue, the Commissioner is said to have attacked and publicly assaulted the VOA Reporter who had gone to Government house to meet him (the Commissioner) over the Fulani herders’ attack in Beji.
Giving his own account, Batsari said he had called severally without response, went to the Commissioners’ office but could not meet him, but later saw him at Government House,Minna and decided to approach him with the question, but instead received direct public assault.
Batsari said but for the timely intervention by some people, the Commissioner in charge of security, who threatened his life and tried to confiscate his recording gadget, despite that he was not recording their conversation, would have done the unimaginable.
Batsari,who expressed
shock over the action of the commissioner, said “it is unfortunate that the Commissioner betrayed his trust by his outburst.”
Governor Bago, he advised should have looked for more vibrant, competent, experienced and knowledgeable retired person to manage the security sector.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
