Albarka Radio Demands Justice Over Alleged Police Assault on Journalist in Bauchi

From Paul Orude Bauchi

Albarka Radio 97.5 FM, Bauchi, has strongly condemned what it described as a “heinous act of brutality” allegedly carried out by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Bununu in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area and his team against one of its reporters during the Eid el fitr  celebration.

In a statement issued by its General Manager, Dauda Mohammed Ciroma, the station expressed deep outrage over the incident, describing it as “vicious, unprovoked, and dehumanizing.” 

The management noted that the attack has left its staff traumatized and raised serious concerns about the safety of journalists carrying out their lawful duties.

Albarka Radio stated that such conduct, allegedly carried out under the guise of policing, is unacceptable and constitutes a direct attack on press freedom and democratic principles. 

The organization emphasized that any assault on a journalist is an assault on democracy and a violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The station also declared its full support for the position of the Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), expressing confidence in the union’s leadership to pursue the matter to a logical and just conclusion.

While acknowledging the response of the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, who condemned the incident and promised an investigation, Albarka Radio called for the immediate suspension of the DPO involved to ensure a transparent and unbiased probe.

The management further warned that failure to take decisive action could be interpreted as tacit endorsement of the alleged misconduct by the Bauchi State Police Command—an outcome it firmly rejected.

Despite the incident, Albarka Radio noted that it values its longstanding cordial relationship with the police in Bauchi State but stressed that those responsible must face the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent against future abuses.

The station also expressed gratitude to individuals, civil society organizations, and media stakeholders who have shown solidarity and support following the incident, reaffirming its commitment to justice and press freedom.