Suspected hoodlums on Saturday attacked journalists from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and The Nation newspaper in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State, while they were covering a political event. The attack occurred around 3:30 p.m. at the palace of the Alawe of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeyemi Adeniyi, during a meeting of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
Details of the Attack
According to a report by NAN, the attackers, wielding sticks and other objects, targeted the journalists without provocation. They damaged vehicles belonging to the reporters and stole mobile phones. The journalists were covering the meeting where the SDP was consulting with traditional rulers and stakeholders.
The victims include NAN correspondent Victor Ogunyinka and The Nation correspondent Abiodun Ogunleye. Ogunyinka reported that the assailants emerged from a nearby building and began attacking the journalists, shouting and accusing them of being spies.
Police Response and Investigation
The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the incident. Police spokesperson Sunday Abutu said officers were dispatched to the scene and have begun an investigation. “We received a report of an attack on journalists in Iyin Ekiti. Our men have visited the scene, and we are working to identify and apprehend the perpetrators,” Abutu stated.
The attack has been condemned by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, which called on the police to ensure the safety of journalists and bring the attackers to justice. NUJ Chairman Kayode Babatuyi described the incident as an assault on press freedom and urged authorities to take decisive action.
Context and Reactions
The attack comes amid heightened political activities in Ekiti State as parties prepare for the 2026 governorship election. The SDP meeting was part of ongoing consultations. Traditional ruler Oba Adeniyi expressed shock over the incident, saying his palace is a place of peace and such violence is unacceptable.
Journalists in Nigeria often face risks while covering political events. This incident highlights the challenges media practitioners encounter in the line of duty. The Ekiti State government has yet to issue an official statement on the attack.
As of Sunday, no arrests had been made, but police say investigations are ongoing. The stolen phones are yet to be recovered.
