NUJ Yobe Council Condemns Assault on NTA Reporter by Government House Security Officer
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe Council, has strongly condemned the unprofessional conduct of CSP Yakubu Zakari Deba, Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Yobe Government House, who allegedly assaulted a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) reporter in Damaturu.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Rajab Mohammed Ismail, and Secretary, Alhassan Sule Mamudo, the union described the attack as a blatant act of brutality against a journalist lawfully performing his duty.
The incident occurred when the reporter attempted to gain access to the Yobe State House of Assembly complex to cover the presentation of the 2026 budget.
The NUJ said it was “deeply disturbed by this egregious act of violence against a media practitioner simply doing their job,” adding that journalists were partners in nation-building, not adversaries.
The council demanded an immediate investigation by the Nigeria Police Force and called for accountability to ensure such misconduct was not repeated.
It commended NTA Damaturu for promptly reporting the assault and urged the authorities to take decisive action.
The statement further reminded all security agencies to accord journalists due respect and protection, stressing that press freedom was non-negotiable in a democratic society.
Copies of the statement were forwarded to the Yobe State Governor, Commissioner of Information, Commissioner of Police, Director of DSS, and the National President of the NUJ.
