By Joyce Onuora, Abakaliki
The Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, Anthonia Adaku -Uche-Anya has condemned assaults on a journalist in the state and some teenagers by some policemen and members of the public.
Mr. Chinedu Ngwuta, the Chief Executive Officer of Abakaliki based online Television station, Direct Reporters, was recently assaulted by a policeman attached to wife of the governor of the state, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru after a road walk organized by the first lady.
Ngwuta”s camera was destroyed during the assault while he was hospitalized following the injury he sustained and was discharged from hospital after some days.
Receiving members of Correspondents ‘Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) in the state led by Comrade Uchenna Inya in her office at the police headquarters, Abakaliki the state capital, Uche-Anya described journalists and policemen as partners in progress in the task of securing the nation through effective policing and information dissemination and expressed dismay on the incident
She vowed that the matter would not be swept under the carpet and commended Inya for drawing her attention to it.
“I am not aware of this Journalist issue you just brought to my knowledge. We are employed to protect lives and properties and not to assault people.
“I thank you for bringing this matter to my knowledge and I will not sweep it under the carpet, I will surely look into it. I don’t tolerate anything bad and a civilian, I don’t “, the police commissioner said.
The CP also frowned at the assault on two teenage girls in Ngbo, Ohaukwu local government area of the state who were stripped and flogged with grievous injuries inflicted on them for stealing chicken and ordered that the suspects who are in police custody be prosecuted, describing it as barbaric.
“How can you naked two secondary school girls and treat them like common criminals. These are young girls and they were flogged mercilessly because they stole chicken when people committee heinous crimes and were not treated like this.
“The suspects are already in our custody. We are making efforts to get the families and others so that they can give evidence in court because matters like this, people are usually reluctant or afraid to give evidence. Once we are done, the suspects will be prosecuted”, she stated.
Uche-Anya promised a hitch-free yuletide period in the state and urged members of the public to report criminal activities and the elements to the police for prompt action.
Earlier, the Chairman of Correspondents’Chapel in the state, comrade Uchenna Inya, lauded her for peace in the state and urged her to ensure that Ebonyi remains safe
He explained that the courtesy visit will strengthen the relationship between the police and the press as partners in progress and urged policemen to always see journalists as such and not as enemies.
Inya, the state correspondent of Daily Sun Newspapers, commended the Commissioner for professionalism and sanity he has brought to the state police command within the few months she came in.
