Hoodlums attack, brutalise Journalist in Niger State

Former Journalist, Aliyu Hamagan, was attacked by thugs at his home in Minna, the capital of Niger State, and suffered severe injuries.

According to Daily Post, he suffered serious injuries to his head and back after being attacked with knives and cutlasses at two in the morning last Thursday, according to the information gathered.

Along with other valuables, the thieves took the victims' iPad, iPhone, laptop, and tiny phone.

After being taken to the Minna General Hospital, Hamagan was treated and released.

The veteran Journalist in an interview with newsmen in Minna expressed surprise at the development, saying his assailants flashed touch light directly on his eyes during their operation and asked him to remain quiet throughout the period

“Despite the injuries they gave me, I still thank God for sparing my life. They also threatened during their operation that I should remain silent as my entire house had been surrounded by their colleagues. And, if I do anything funny, they will kill me, ” he told colleagues.

When reached for further information about the incident, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the State Police Public Relations Officer, declined to comment, claiming that he was unaware of any attacks on journalists in the state. 

He promised to inquire with the relevant DPO and get back to the media. 

Hamagan was a correspondent for Daily Trust in Niger, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kebbi States, respectively.    

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has released Ayoola Babalola, a journalist detained during the nationwide #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests in Abuja.

Allnews.ng recalls that Ayoola Babalola was arrested during the protest which began Aug 1, 2024. 

Babalola, 25, was arrested on Saturday and held at Wuye Police Station under the Federal Capital Territory Police Command. 

According to reports, Babalola was released around 3 p.m. on Sunday, following his arrest the previous day.

“Yes, I have been released. I was released around 3 pm today (Sunday). The detention lasted for over 24 hours, but I’m home now.

“I am grateful to all who led their voices calling for my release,” he told reporters. 

Civil Society organisation Take-It-Back Movement had, in a circular, confirmed Babalola’s arrest and demanded the immediate release of the Journalist.