Governor Bago’s Security Team Detains ,Assaults NTA Senior Reporter in Niger
The security personnel working for Niger state governor Mohammed Umar Bago were involved in a troubling incident where they allegedly attacked and physically assaulted Musa Mikail, a Senior Reporter for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), in Bida’s local government area.
The incident occurred at Wadata Palace in Bida during a Ramadan iftar event organized by the chairman of the Niger State Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, on Friday evening at the emir’s palace.
It was reported that the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the event instructed his team to remove Mikail, which led to multiple security personnel attacking him and forcing him out—an incident that has raised serious concerns.
Musa Mikail, who has diligently served in the Minna office before his transfer to Bida over a year ago, described the events as a regrettable display of misconduct by security personnel. He was manhandled and pushed out of the event, despite trying to explain that he was performing his duties as a journalist.
In his account, Mikail explained, “I was standing with my cameraman, having a brief discussion, when a Chief Security Officer suddenly approached us and ordered us to move away. I calmly explained that we were not blocking anyone’s view and that we were carrying out our journalistic responsibilities. Despite my explanation, he insisted that I must leave. I stood my ground, and when he pushed me, I reacted by pushing him back.
Another security personnel tried to intervene and urged them to leave me alone, acknowledging that I was doing my job. However, instead of de-escalating, the CSO ordered his men to attack me and forcibly remove me from the event, leading to a public beating that has caused widespread dismay.”
A veteran journalist in the state expressed deep concern, emphasizing that journalists deserve respect and protection as they perform their vital role in society. The incident is viewed as a troubling assault on press freedom and an attempt to intimidate media members.
A witness and fellow journalist noted that journalists should be treated with dignity, demonstrating calmness and obedience, especially when engaging security personnel who are also working to protect their principals. Proper identification should always be checked to ensure accountability.
In response to the incident, the Chairman of the Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Abu Nmadu, was informed.
According to a statement from the council Secretary, Comrade Usman Chiji, the union is carefully reviewing the reports before issuing an official statement.
Chiji urged members to stay calm and assured them that the union is committed to protecting its members and defending their rights.
He emphasized, “We are empathetic to the distress caused but remain dedicated to defending the safety and dignity of journalists.”
Additionally, the council chairman contacted government officials, including the governor’s Chief Press Secretary Bologi Ibrahim, to ensure the safety of Musa Mikail. The NUJ continues to actively pursue this matter.
