Security operatives, emir's guards beat journalists in Nasarawa

Some overzealous security operatives and emir's guards known as Dubagari, on Tuesday, in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, descended heavily on some journalists who covered the first anniversary celebration of the assumption of office of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura.The journalists are Moses John, a reporter with the state-owned Nasarawa Broadcasting Corporation; Nura Ado Abdullahi of Precious F.M, an arm of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN); Isaac Upkoju, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and Ademola Adegbite of African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, publishers of Tribune Titles.The pressmen, who had earlier subjected themselves to intense scrutiny upon their arrival at the College of Agriculture, venue of the event, were later told to move out of the mainbowl because there was no provision for them there. While assaulting the journalists, one of the security operatives comprising soldiers and policemen had said:'Are you blind or deaf' We have been telling you to move out of this place. There is nowhere you can stay. If you want to leave this place, you are free. We don't want to see anybody here. What are you pressing' Go out and stay anywhere you like, but on this field, we don't want to see you here.'The emir's guards, while protecting their principal, also joined the security men in beating up the journalists, particularly John in spite of the fact that he adorned the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) vest and his official identity card.Meanwhile, Governor Al-Makura has said his administration would soon embark on the construction of additional cottages and general hospitals in strategic locations in the state.Delivering his speech at the well attended ceremony which had former Military Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari among other notable personalities in attendace, the governor further disclosed that his government was partnering with OLAM, a Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and other investors in the production and processing of rice.
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