Hunger Protest Turns Violent In Calabar: Hoodlums Attack Journalists And Steal Palliatives

Hunger Protest Turns Violent In Calabar: Hoodlums Attack Journalists And Steal Palliatives

In a wave of violence leading up to nationwide protests set for Thursday, August 1, 2024, hoodlums in Calabar, Cross River State, have launched an attack on journalists, seriously injuring a Nigerian Tribune reporter, Joseph Abasi-Abasi.

According to Daily Post, the assailants also targeted an 18-seater bus belonging to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) that was transporting food items from the State Emergency Management Agency warehouse to the Ernest Etim Press Centre in Calabar.

Ireporteronline gathered that the attack occurred at approximately 10 a.m., with the hoodlums assaulting the NUJ bus driver, Joseph Akpaenin, and auxiliary staff member, Saviour Ekpenyong. The food items on the bus were meant for the NUJ Cross River State Council.

During the assault, the attackers managed to steal some of the food items from the bus and severely beat several journalists. The bus driver, Joseph Akpaenin, suffered injuries to his shoulder and face, and his phone was also stolen. Other journalists sustained significant bruises in the attack.

Comrade Archibong Bassey, Chairman of the NUJ in Cross River State, has condemned the violence and theft perpetrated by the hoodlums.