Journalists covering an event in Idembia, Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on Sunday narrowly escaped death after suspected political thugs allegedly attacked their official vehicle and attempted to set it ablaze.
The journalists, who are members of the Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, were travelling to cover a programme organised by Chief Ifeanyi Nworie when they came under attack.
The victims were conveying themselves in an official vehicle clearly marked "Correspondents' Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)" when the suspected thugs allegedly descended on them.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers, said to be more than 50 in number and allegedly led by one Mr. Friday Agbom, violently attacked the vehicle, repeatedly hitting it in an apparent attempt to force their way inside.
Witnesses alleged that the hoodlums also searched for fuel with the intention of setting the vehicle ablaze before the driver swiftly manoeuvred through the scene and escaped with the occupants unharmed.
"The journalists would have been trapped but for the quick thinking of the driver, who skilfully drove out of the scene before the attackers could carry out their alleged plan," an eyewitness said.
The journalists were said to have been invited by Chief Nworie to provide media coverage for the event, which was initially scheduled to hold at a village square along the roadside in the community.
However, the programme was disrupted after the suspected political thugs stormed the venue, forcing the organiser to relocate the gathering to his private residence.
The suspected thugs allegedly proceeded to the road leading to the residence, barricaded the access route and reportedly attacked persons attempting to attend the event.
A passer-by was also reportedly assaulted during the incident.
Eyewitnesses said the man was beaten by the suspected thugs until he fell into a nearby bush while trying to pass through the area.
As of the time of filing this report, the suspected thugs were still said to be stationed at the entrance to the road leading to the relocated venue, preventing access to the area.
Some of the alleged attackers were reportedly seen wearing T-shirts bearing the photograph of a serving lawmaker, although there was no immediate evidence linking the legislator to the incident.
More than 20 armed police officers were observed at the original venue of the programme, apparently on security duty, while efforts were ongoing to prevent a further breakdown of law and order.
Neither the Ebonyi State Police Command nor the alleged leader of the suspected thugs, Mr. Friday Agbom, had issued any official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
Similarly, Chief Ifeanyi Nworie had yet to publicly comment on the attack.
NATIONAL PANEL reports that the incident has heightened concerns over the safety of journalists carrying out their constitutional responsibility and the growing threat of political violence ahead of future political activities in the state.
