Protest: Hoodlums maim journalists, vandalise NUJ bus, confiscate palliatives

Ahead of commencement of public protests on Thursday 1st August, 2024, hoodlums in Calabar, capital of Cross River State, have descended on journalists, critically maiming one of them, a Nigerian Tribune reporter, Joseph Abasi-Abasi.

The hoodlums have also vandalised an 18-seater NUJ bus which was conveying food items from State Emergency Management Agency warehouse to the Ernest Etim Press Centre, Calabar.

The incident happened at about 10 am.

They also beat up the NUJ bus driver, Mr Joseph Akpaenin, as well as the NUJ auxiliary staff, Mr Saviour Ekpenyong.

The palliatives belong to Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Cross River State Council.

After beating up the journalists, they succeeded in carting away some of the food items from the vehicle.

The bus driver, Joseph Akpaenin, whose phone was also stolen, was left with a battered shoulder and face from the attack.

A few more journalists sustained heavy bruises.

Chairman of the NUJ in the state, Comrade Archibong Bassey has condemned the criminal act.