December 05, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has condemned the assault on Juliet Enabulele Asein, a reporter with the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), who was attacked during a public function in Benin City on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
In a statement signed by the State Chairman, Festus Alenkhe (JP), and Secretary, Andy Egbon, the union described the attack — allegedly carried out by Kelly Okungbowa, popularly known as Ebo Stone — as a gross violation of press freedom and a direct threat to the safety of journalists in the state.
According to the NUJ, Asein was assaulted and manhandled while discharging her lawful duties, an action it said undermines the constitutional role of the media and endangers democratic accountability.
“The leadership of the union considers this act a blatant attack on press freedom, the safety of journalists, and the right of media professionals to carry out their lawful duties without fear, intimidation, or violence,” the statement read.
The union warned that attacks on journalists in the line of duty would no longer be tolerated and urged members of the public to exercise restraint and respect the media’s role in strengthening democracy.
“The union calls on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to immediately arrest Kelly Okungbowa, investigate him, and bring him to justice,” it added.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to protecting journalists across the state and ensuring that anyone who targets media professionals faces the full weight of the law.
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