NSCDC officers brutalize Anambra journalist as State Commandant orders investigation

By Praise Chinecherem

A practicing journalist in Anambra State, Izunna Okafor, was on Saturday allegedly assaulted by over 10 officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the State.

Okafor, it was gathered was in a vehicle with the NSCDC officials that transported them to Nnewi from Awka, venue of the Anambra South Rally of the Soludo Ambassadors.

Narrating his ugly experience to newsmen, Okafor said trouble started when he wanted to alight at the UNIZIK Junction, Awka, on their way back from Nnewi.

He said the officials had earlier complained of hunger and frustration while returning from the rally.

He said, “After severally informing and reminding the driver that I will alight at the UNIZIK junction, he ignored the request on the instruction of the Civil Defence officers, who insisted that everybody must remain in the bus and follow them to the very last bus stop where they themselves would alight.

“It was until I spoke with a loud voice before some other civil defence officials and some attendees of the rally in the bus then told the driver to drop me.

“Immediately I alighted, I couldn’t see my second phone which fell out inside the bus while the driver was speeding. While I informed them that my phone fell off inside the bus and wanted to pick it, one of the officials attached to the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) ordered the driver to speed off.

“Meanwhile, my hand was stretched to pick the phone from the person who volunteered to pick it for me when one of the officers furiously and unexpectedly jammed the door of the bus, leaving me with severe hand injuries.”

Okafor, while in severe pains said he had no other option than to board another commercial transport to get to the spot where the officers had announced would be their last bus stop.

“When I got there and sought explanation from the officer that jammed the door for his action, he began questioning what gave me the boldness to ask him such question as a uniformed and armed man.

“As the altercation escalated, the officer conked his gun, while his colleagues, numbering about 11, rushed out and descended on me, kicking and hitting me with gun heads.

“It took quick intervention of some other bystanders, including Managing Director of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Mr. Ossy Onuko, to calm the situation,” he added.

Okafor further narrated that despite eventually retrieval of his phone and apology from Onuko, the NSCDC officers continued threatening him, vowing to track and further deal with him.

“They accused Nigerian journalists of being major part of Nigeria’s problem, while they stand and suffer under the sun to protect the nation and her citizens.

“They further boasted that no one can stop them from unleashing their mayhem on me, insisting that anyone who attempts to do so should first care for their welfare before advising them,” he noted.

Okafor, who said he could identify the officers involved in the attack, is currently seeking medical attention as at the time of recounting his ordeal to reporters.

Meanwhile, State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr. Edwin Osuala has ordered full scale investigation into the matter with a view to bringing anyone found complicit to book.

Public Relations Officer, Edwin Okadigbo, in a statement, described the incident as unacceptable, stressing that NSCDC as a reputable paramilitary agency would stop at nothing in making sure appropriate disciplinary sanctions were meted against any of the personnel found wanting.

The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to an online publication by 247ureports.com on Saturday 2nd December, 2023 , titled” Civil Defence Officers Attack Anambra Journalist, Say Journalists Part of Nigeria’s Problem” alleging unprofessional conduct of some civil defence personnel against one Izunna Okafor, an Anambra based Journalist.

“The State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, Mr. Edwin Osuala, found the report unacceptable and has ordered the Deputy Commandant in charge of Investigation and Intelligence Department to immediately commence full scale investigation into the matter with a view to bringing anyone found complicit to book.

“Mr. Osuala noted that the NSCDC as a reputable paramilitary agency in a good working relationship with the Nigeria Union of Journalists would stop at nothing in making sure appropriate disciplinary sanctions are meted against any of the personnel found wanting.

“I have always partnered with members of Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ) closely in show casing most of our activities and achievements in the fight against insecurity. I would not want this isolated case to severe the good relationship I have with them.

“I always urge personnel to be cautious and polite in dealing with members of the public in the discharge of their duties. If after investigation, they are guilty of the offence, definitely they will face the music as deterrent to other personnel. The command under my watch will not tolerate or condone any act unbecoming of an officer” he said.

“While affirming his unwavering stance against unethical conduct on the part of Officers and Men, the State Commandant further solicited sustained media partnership, cooperation and support of the public in providing timely and relevant information to the Corps in its renewed efforts against security challenges in the state.”