A journalist was reportedly assaulted during a political endorsement rally organised by traders and market union members in support of Francis Nwifuru ahead of the 2027 general elections in Ebonyi State.
The incident happened on Tuesday at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki, where traders and market groups gathered to endorse the governor for a second term.
According to reports, the attack followed disagreements among factions within the market and union leadership during the event.
Mr. Polycarp Sola, a reporter with Eye Witness News, was allegedly beaten while covering activities at the rally. Sola said he attended the programme after receiving an invitation from a market leader, Mr. Obeji Linus.
Speaking after the incident, the journalist said he was assaulted while carrying out his professional duties and alleged that his phone was seized during the chaos before it was later recovered through the intervention of an aide to the Ebonyi State governor.
He expressed concern over the growing threats faced by media professionals, stressing the need for better protection for journalists covering political and public events in Nigeria.
Another female journalist at the venue was also reportedly warned against recording videos during the rally. However, she was not attacked after the intervention of Mr. Uchenna Inya of The Sun, who insisted that she was only performing her duty as a member of the press.
The endorsement rally was organised by traders and market unions in support of Governor Nwifuru’s second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 elections in Ebonyi State
Stay updated with Ebonyi News Network for real-time reports, in-depth analysis, and exclusive coverage of policies shaping Ebonyi State.
