On Sunday, a group of hired thugs attacked a press briefing organized by the Sagbama Local Government chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, resulting in injuries to several journalists.
Among the injured was Mr. Tife Owolabi, Chairman of the Federated Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists in Bayelsa. The attackers vandalized the venue, Da Crib Hotel, using rods to assault those present. Owolabi suffered injuries to his forehead and left hand, while Jacobson Park of People’s FM 93.1 left with a swollen hand after being struck with a flagpole.
The chaos prompted attendees to flee in search of safety, halting the briefing until security forces, including personnel from the Operation Doo Akpo, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigerian police, arrived at the scene.
Once security was restored, the press briefing resumed, during which Jonah Abeke, Chairman of the Sagbama Local Government APC, announced the indefinite suspension of seven party members for alleged anti-party activities. The suspended members include Barr. Peres Peretu, Hon. Matthew Karimo, Major Oputa, Hon. Tangi Samuel, King Bolouyi Sufadoh, Hon. Goodluck Ebomu, and Hon. Youdio-gwei Benjamin.
Abeke stated, “During the 2023 National Assembly, presidential, and governorship elections in Bayelsa State, they openly supported Gov. Douye Diri and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, clearly demonstrating their anti-party stance.”
He continued, “In light of this, the executives of the Sagbama Local Government Area (APC) have decided to suspend them indefinitely from the party. This decision will be forwarded to the State Executive Committee for ratification.”
Abeke also condemned the attack on journalists, emphasizing the importance of press freedom and safety.
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