By
Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has announced the resolution of the case involving the reported assault on Juliet Enabulele Asein, a reporter with the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), following a series of interventions and the eventual tendering of an unreserved apology by the accused, Kelly Okungbowa, popularly known as Ebo Stone.
NUJ Chairman, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, disclosed the development on Thursday during a press conference at the NUJ Press Centre in Benin City.
He explained that the union took swift action after receiving the report of the incident around 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, initiating strong steps to ensure the protection of the assaulted journalist and uphold press freedom.
According to Alenkhe, the Union immediately issued a press statement condemning the alleged assault and wrote formally to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 5, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, and the Department of State Security Services (DSSS), calling for the arrest, investigation, and possible prosecution of the suspect.
The NUJ also escalated the matter to its National Secretariat and notified international bodies including the British High Commission and the European Union.
He stressed that the Union’s proactive response was intended to deter future attacks on journalists and reinforce its role as a defender of media practitioners’ rights.
However, the matter took a conciliatory turn on Thursday morning when a delegation from the Edo State Government, including the Head of Protocol to the Governor, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, accompanied Okungbowa to the NUJ Secretariat.
During the meeting, Okungbowa tendered an unreserved apology, acknowledging that an altercation had occurred between him and the EBS reporter.
Alenkhe noted that earlier resistance from the accused, who had initially refused to apologize and insisted evidence be produced had complicated the situation. But with Thursday’s intervention and the eventual apology, the NUJ leadership decided to accept the gesture in the interest of peace and collective progress.
The NUJ chairman emphasized that while Okungbowa is not a government official, the government facilitated the reconciliation due to the sensitivity of the matter.
He assured members that the Union remains firmly committed to defending every journalist in Edo State, whether reporter, cameraman, or technical staff.
Alenkhe used the platform to caution journalists on the importance of prioritizing their safety, especially in volatile environments. He advised practitioners to maintain professionalism, avoid unnecessary risks during field assignments, and always adhere to ethical standards, particularly as the state approaches the charged political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections.
“It is a journalist who is alive that reports,” he reminded, urging members to take necessary precautions during coverage, especially in tense situations.
He commended the Managing Director of EBS and other media stakeholders for their maturity and constructive engagement during the crisis.
Alenkhe also thanked journalists across print, radio, television, and online platforms for their solidarity and patience throughout the incident.
With the apology tendered and accepted, and further assurances given to the victim, the NUJ announced that all actions previously initiated, such as pressure on security agencies have been suspended.
The Union reiterated its strong commitment to ensuring the safety, dignity, and professional protection of all journalists in Edo State.
