By GLORIA ANAEZE, Onitsha
Though Anambra State Governorship Election has come and gone, some journalists who were attacked by hoodlums at Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area while carrying out their legitimate duty are still in pains over what befell them.
It would be recalled that some journalists, Afam Aminu Chimezie of the Business News Newspaper, Gloria Anaeze of the Daily Independent Newspaper, Eche Nwaobasi also of the Daily Independent and National Light Correspondent for Onitsha, Chike Ifedi and three Election observers nearly lost their lives while covering the election last Saturday.
One of the victims, Afam Aminu Chimezie of Business News Newspaper recalled that he and other three colleagues, including three election observers were attacked by some hoodlums numbering about twenty at Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State on the election day.
According to the leader of the team who is still recovering from the unfortunate nightmare,”as we were returning from the residence of one of the illustrious sons of Okija Community we ran into a barricade mounted by the hoodlums whose sole purpose was to exploit us financially.”
“The hoodlums whom we suspected were members of the community were carrying matchetes, pistol, sticks and other dangerous weapons”
“However, initially we didn’t take them serious until one of them hit me with the matchete he was brandishing before us and took away our handsets, money and other valuables”
“We would have been burnt alive in the vehicle if we had attempted to resist them.That was why we complied to let go our handsets and money”
Gloria Anaeze of Daily Independent narrated that she was still in shock since after the incident and pleaded with the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, the Governor-Elect, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mamoud Yakub and other well meaning individuals to come to their aid.
Eche Nwaobasi of Daily Independent narrated that he was attacked while on active duty to ensure that a free and fair election was conducted through his reportage.
Afam Aminu Chimezie, however, disclosed that he and his colleagues have been abandoned after the unfortunate incident.
He said that as patriots they would continue to work for a better Nigeria and called on well meaning individuals not to abandon them, but encourage them to continue to perform their duties as courageous journalists. (Daily Independent)
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