The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has condemned the assault of a journalist, Edwin Philip, in Lafiya, Nasarawa state during Nigeria’s gubernatorial and state Houses of assembly election on Saturday.
Abbas Muhammed, the NSCDC’s Nasarawa State Commandant, said the news of the assault shocked the management because it in no way reflected the traits and character of the command’s personnel.
The agency stated that the reporter was physically assaulted by the officer during a routine patrol and observation of electoral procedures by the NSCDC patrol squad within the Lafiya metropolis in a statement signed by the state’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Jerry Victor.
He promised to look into the incident and identify the attackers of the journalist.
He repeatedly emphasised the need for the command’s officers and men to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in the performance of their responsibilities.
Officers and soldiers have received repeated briefings on the importance of maintaining good citizenship at all times, but particularly during the election. As a result, he says, anyone who disobeys this order will be subject to punishment.
The state commandant expressed his clear regret to the Nasarawa state Nigerian Union of Journalists while promising to look into the incident and find the attackers of the journalist. He also assured them that he had given the injured journalist immediate medical attention and that he would pay for all related expenses in order to prevent any further health issues.