A journalist based in Ogun State, Olajide Osoba, was allegedly assaulted by members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) during the Workers’ Day celebration held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, on Thursday.
Osoba, publisher of NewsAngleOnline, claimed that the attack was orchestrated on the orders of Azeez Adeyemi, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Matters. The journalist, visibly injured with bloodstains on his clothes and face, said he was targeted without provocation.
In response to the incident, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, announced a temporary ban on media coverage of all student-related activities in the state. The union’s decision was conveyed in a statement signed by its Secretary, Bunmi Adigun.
The NUJ strongly condemned the attack and called for immediate accountability. It said the blacklisting would remain in effect pending the outcome of an investigation being conducted in collaboration with the police.
“We have taken a firm stance following the alleged assault on one of our members by individuals identified as members of NANS,” the NUJ said. “This directive reflects our commitment to ensuring a safe environment for journalists to carry out their duties.”
The union also urged the leadership of NANS to cooperate with the investigation and take steps to prevent a recurrence.
Reacting to the allegations, Adeyemi denied any involvement. “I don’t know anything about it. It’s completely strange to me,” he said when contacted. “Even if he has issues with some students, how does that automatically mean I ordered the attack? They’ve even identified those responsible, and I heard the issue is tied to some local dispute in Abeokuta North.”
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
