Bauchi Police Compensate Assaulted AIT Journslist

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Commissioner, Mr. Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, yesterday compensated a journalist with the African Independent Television (AIT), Nagari Damina Yusuf, who was assaulted and wounded by some police officers attached to the Rapid Response Squad while on official duty three weeks ago.

The police attack on the journalist incurred the wrath of the media in the state as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) ordered a media blackout on the state police.

The state police boss presented new laptop computer, two smart phones and camera which were lost by the AIT journalist during the incident.

Alabi commended the leadership of the NUJ in the state for jettisoning its planned street demonstration against the action of the police following his sympathy visit to the union secretariat.

He also appealed to the union to lift the ban on the coverage of the Nigeria Police activities in the state so that their operations could be publicised.

Ajayi reiterated the readiness of the police command to work harmoniously with journalists for the good of the people of the state.

While responding, the state Chairman of the NUJ, Umar Sa’id, lauded the police commissioner for his concern over the plight of the victim and for redeeming his pledge to offer compensations.

He assured Ajayi that the union would convene a meeting with the state executive council to review the embargo imposed on police activities in the state.