In a shocking incident, Izunna Okafor, a journalist with 247ureports.com, was reportedly brutalised by officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State. Over 10 officers allegedly assaulted Okafor, accusing the media of being the problem in Nigeria.
According to reports, the incident occurred when Okafor was returning from Nnewi, where he had been invited to cover the Anambra South Rally of the Soludo Ambassadors. The journalist was travelling in the same bus as the NSCDC officials, which had been provided by the event organiser.
Okafor recounted that trouble began when he attempted to alight at the UNIZIK Junction in Awka. Despite informing the driver multiple times, his request was ignored at the instruction of the NSCDC officers. It was only after he raised his voice that he was allowed to alight.
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However, in the process, Okafor lost his second phone inside the bus. When he informed the officers about his missing phone, they ordered the driver to speed off, leaving him with severe hand injuries.
Okafor later managed to reach the last bus stop, where he confronted the officer responsible for his injury. This led to a chaotic situation, with about 11 officers assaulting him and threatening to shoot him.
The violence was eventually quelled by Mr. Ossy Onuko, the Managing Director of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA). Despite retrieving his phone and receiving an apology from Onuko, Okafor stated that the officers continued to threaten him.
Following the incident, Okafor reported the matter to the Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Command of the NSCDC, Edwin Okadigbo, who promised to look into it.
In response to the incident, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Edwin Osuala, has ordered a thorough investigation. The commandant affirmed his stance against unethical conduct and solicited the public’s cooperation in providing timely and relevant information to aid the Corps’ efforts against security challenges in the state.