DSS Officer Allegedly Slaps journalist three times , Threatens them with gun
From Ahmad Saka,Bauchi
A Department of State Services (DSS) officer attached to a visiting delegation of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has allegedly slapped Bashir Adamu of the Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC) three times and assaulted Isyaka Wunti of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), threatens them with Gun while covering an official event at the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State.
The incident occurred during the commissioning of a 500KVA solar power station executed by the Bauchi State Government at the game reserve.
The affected journalists were identified as reporters on official duty and wearing identification.
Eye witness said the DSS man slapped Bashir three times in public while he was carrying out his journalistic duties and subsequently raised his firearm at the journalist.
In a separate incident, the same officer allegedly prevented Isyaka Wunti from performing his duties despite his identification as a member of the Bauchi State Government House press crew.
The journalists reportedly did not retaliate or engage the officer in any physical confrontation. Instead, they immediately referred the matter to their respective leaderships for appropriate action.
The incident has raised concerns among journalists over their safety while covering official engagements, with calls for a proper investigation and appropriate measures to prevent similar occurrences.
Journalists and media stakeholders have also stressed the need for security personnel deployed to official functions to respect the rights of accredited journalists and allow them to carry out their professional responsibilities without intimidation or harassment.
Similarly the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, has strongly condemned the alleged assault, intimidation and threats against journalists covering an official engagement at the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State on Tuesday.
The NUJ made its position known in a statement signed by its State Chairman, Comrade Umar Sa’idu, and Secretary, Isah Garba Gadau.
The Council expressed particular concern over reports that the officer allegedly slapped Bashir Adamu of the Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC) three times while he was performing his legitimate journalistic duties, despite being properly identified as a member of the Bauchi State Government House Press Crew.
The NUJ Bauchi State Council described the alleged conduct of the officer as unacceptable, stressing that the journalists reportedly neither retaliated nor engaged in any physical confrontation but instead referred the matter to their leadership for appropriate action.
While recognising the responsibilities of security agencies in maintaining order and protecting public officials, the Council said such responsibilities must be exercised within the law and with full respect for the rights and dignity of accredited journalists carrying out legitimate professional duties.
The NUJ Bauchi State Council therefore demanded an immediate and thorough investigation by the appropriate authorities into the incident and the identification of the DSS officer involved.
It also demanded appropriate disciplinary and legal action against the officer, if found culpable, in accordance with the law and relevant regulations.
The Council further called for assurances from the DSS and other security agencies that journalists covering official engagements in Bauchi State would be protected from intimidation, harassment, assault and other forms of unlawful interference.
The NUJ also urged authorities organising official events to ensure that security personnel deployed to such events are properly briefed on the roles and rights of accredited journalists.
“The Council views the safety of journalists as non-negotiable and will not remain silent whenever its members are subjected to assault or intimidation in the course of their legitimate professional duties,” the statement said.
The NUJ Bauchi State Council called on all security agencies to uphold professionalism and respect for press freedom, which remains fundamental to democracy and accountable governance.
The Council also urged its members to remain professional, law-abiding and committed to responsible journalism while carrying out their duties.
In a related development,The Bauchi State Government House Press Crew commends the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Bauchi State Command, for his prompt and decisive intervention following the reported assault on one of its members, Bashir Adamu of the Bauchi State Radio Corporation (BRC), at the Yankari Game Reserve.
In a statement by the Chairman Government House Press Crew john Habila Murai said this in a statement distributed to reporters in Bauchi,He said, The Press Crew particularly appreciates the immediate intervention of the State Director of the DSS, who promptly convened a meeting involving the Bauchi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Usman Usman Shehu; the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado; the Chairman of the Government House Press Crew, Mr. John Habila Murai; and the affected journalist, Bashir Adamu.
The Press Crew considers the meeting a significant step towards resolving the matter amicably, particularly as both parties agreed on the need to establish a standing liaison mechanism to promptly address future misunderstandings and strengthen professionalism, communication and mutual understanding in the discharge of official duties.
The Press Crew also welcomes the assurance by the DSS Director that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against the officer involved if found culpable.
While unequivocally condemning any form of assault, intimidation or harassment of journalists in the lawful discharge of their duties, the Press Crew believes that the prompt response of the DSS leadership demonstrates the importance of institutional accountability and constructive engagement in resolving such incidents.
The Press Crew equally acknowledges the solidarity and concern demonstrated by its mother union, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, as well as professional colleagues and other stakeholders who expressed concern over the incident.
Special appreciation also goes to the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Usman Usman Shehu, and the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado, for their intervention and commitment towards ensuring an amicable and just resolution of the matter.
The incident underscores the need for stronger understanding, communication and cooperation between security agencies and the media. While security agencies have the responsibility to protect lives, property and public institutions, journalists must equally be allowed to perform their constitutional and professional responsibilities without intimidation, harassment or physical assault.
The Government House Press Crew remains committed to constructive engagement with security agencies and other stakeholders in promoting mutual respect, professionalism and peaceful cooperation as partners in the service of the public.
