Journalists Attacked by Political Thugs in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Journalists from the Nigeria Union of Journalists were ambushed while traveling to cover a program organized by Barrister Ifeanyi Nworie in Idembia, Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The assailants, identified as political thugs led by a man known as Friday Agbom and wearing shirts bearing a lawmaker’s picture, battered the journalists' marked vehicle, attempted to set it on fire and assaulted a passer‑by. More than 50 thugs gathered at the event site, while about 20 armed police officers were present but unable to prevent the violence. Several vehicles were damaged and eight people were taken to hospital for treatment.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state chairman, Chukwuma Igwe, condemned the attack, calling the perpetrators “anti‑democratic forces” and urging security agencies—including the police, DSS and NSCDC—to protect citizens’ constitutional rights and ensure a level playing field for political activities in Ebonyi State.