Journalist Attacked at Kosofe Council Secretariat
A journalist with MITV, Habeeb Adejobi, was on Wednesday allegedly attacked by suspected loyalists of the Chairman of Kosofe Local Government Area, Mr. Moyo Ogunlewe, within the premises of the council secretariat in Lagos.
The incident reportedly occurred while the journalist was at the council to cover the screening exercise for newly appointed supervisors and special advisers.
According to Adejobi, he had arrived at the secretariat in the course of his professional duty when a group of young men allegedly descended on him without provocation.
Narrating the incident, the journalist said the attackers were allegedly led by a man described as the driver to the council chairman.
“I was at the council secretariat to cover the screening of the supervisors and special advisers when some boys suddenly pounced on me. They were led by a man people around identified as the chairman’s driver,” Adejobi said.
Sources within the secretariat said the situation caused tension in the area as colleagues and onlookers attempted to intervene.
Following the assault, the journalist was reportedly taken to the Area Police Station where the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) intervened to calm the situation.
Speaking with our correspondent, the DPO, Mr. Kayode, confirmed that the matter was brought to his attention and that efforts were underway to resolve it.
According to him, the case was reported at the instance of the Chief of Staff to the council chairman, Mr. Abiona Akinola.
“The matter was brought to my attention by the Chief of Staff to the chairman. We are looking into it and trying to resolve the situation,” the police officer said.
Adejobi was later released from the police station after the intervention of the police authorities.
As of the time of filing this report, officials of the Kosofe Local Government Council had not issued an official statement on the incident.
The attack has raised concerns among journalists and media practitioners about the safety of reporters covering political and governmental activities within the area.
The latest incident comes barely weeks after suspected loyalists of the council chairman were reportedly involved in another violent episode during the ward congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the party secretariat in the area.
During that incident, a party chieftain, Kehinde Saka, was allegedly attacked by individuals believed to be supporters of the council chairman, further heightening tensions within the local political environment.
Observers say the repeated incidents of violence within political spaces in the area underscore the need for authorities to ensure the safety of journalists and other stakeholders carrying out legitimate duties.
