By CrossRiverWatch admin
Policemen have attacked a joint crew of the media on their way to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters along Muritala Mohammed Highway, in Calabar.
The joint crew, which comprises a team of Channels Television and Guardian Newspaper was attacked around the Calabar roundabout, by RCC Junction this evening.
According to one of the reporters who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES, Imani Joe Adinoyi, said they were on their way to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for updates on election results collation when some police officers attacked her team of four at about 5.30 p.m.
“We decided to park and see if we could get shots of the town and what was happening,” she said. “My camera guy got down, was walking towards these police officers to explain to them why we were there and possibly get permission from them to work.”
“They didn’t even allow him get there, as soon as they sighted him walking towards them they just came and started shouting, ‘what are you people doing here with camera.’
“They started raining insults on us. We tried to explain we are journalist on official assignment, but they didn’t listen.
“They shouted again, ‘who sent you? I’m sure someone sent you,’” Ms. Odey said.
She said although the crew’s camera is still intact, the microphone on the camera was destroyed.
“My camera guy was tear-gassed and physically attacked together with the Guardian lady with us,” she said.
She said while they were all kitted with reflective vest, face caps and identity cards provided by INEC, about 20 police officers continued the attack.
It was also recorded that the men dispensed tear gas into the eyes of a Channels Television stringer on election, Saviour Asuquo, also destroying the camera, as well as other valuable items.
A Guardian reporter, Miss Tina Todo, and the taxi driver were also reportedly manhandled by one of the officers.
Report says that the journalists sought permission from the Policemen on duty before filming the town.
Police authorities in Calabar have refused to comment on the development.