West Africa Editors Society (WAES) has condemned the unprovoked assault on journalist Mohammed Adamu, allegedly by operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command.

In a statement signed by the Interim President, Emmanuel K Dogbevi, WAES expressed disappointment at the conduct of the police against the journalist who works for Albarka Radio in Bauchi State. It described the conduct as unprofessional, unacceptable and condemnable by all right-thinking persons in society.

WAES said the journalist was left with injuries while he was covering Eid Durbar celebrations in Bununu, the headquarters of Tafawa
Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi.

It said the incident raises fresh concerns about journalists' safety and press freedom in the state.

The organisation quoted Adamu as saying that he was in the company of other media professionals but was stopped by a police constable while heading to the designated media area.

“We were at Bununu district for Eid durbar celebration with the Information Officer and other media professionals. As I was heading to the place designated for journalists, a police constable stopped me,” he said.

Adamu alleged that the assault was led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Jamilu Kabir, who, for no reason or reasons, had ordered him to leave the venue.

According to Adamu, when he tried to identify himself as a journalist, the officer started hurling insults at him.

“Even as I told him I am a reporter, he began beating me. Other officers whom I knew joined in assaulting me. Many others kept beating and brutalising me,” he added.

Adamu alleged that the assault was led by the DPO, SP Jamilu Kabir, who he said prevented him from carrying out his assignment despite proper identification.

Adamu has since been seen and treated in a hospital and has returned home.

The Bauchi police spokesperson, SP Nafi’u Habib, has informed the media that the police are aware of the incident and will investigate and take the necessary action.

WAES reminded police officers that they are under oath to protect life and property and to keep the peace. It lamented that the same police officers would be the ones violating journalists while doing their job.

"We are calling on state authorities of Bauchi to act with dispatch, investigate this grave matter, and if any officers are found culpable, they should be duly made to face the law.

"Police officers and all state security officers should be mindful of the important role journalists play in the society. They do important work of gathering news and informing the public. They are to be protected and supported to do their job, which is in the public interest," the organisation said.