Punch Reporter, TVC Cameraman Allegedly Beaten by Military Personnel in Lagos
A correspondent of PUNCH Newspapers, Dare Olawin, was allegedly assaulted by armed personnel of the Nigerian Air Force Base in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday morning.
According to PUNCH, the attack occurred around 7:40 a.m. when the military personnel stormed the headquarters of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC), reportedly in retaliation for the disconnection of their barracks from power supply.
The reporter was at the location alongside a TVC cameraman and another journalist, preparing to cover an event in Adiyan, Ogun State, when they were allegedly sighted by the military men and dragged out of their vehicle.
“They were beaten and made to sit on the floor,” PUNCH claimed.
The military personnel also allegedly seized the journalist’s Android phone, a small Itel phone, and a white power bank, while threatening to shoot him if he spoke up.
According to PUNCH, the Air Force personnel, led by a female officer, took control of the IKEDC office for over one and a half hours, attacking staff and other individuals present.
“The roads leading to the office were blocked, giving the military men a field day to molest those within the premises,” the Newspaper reported.
The report further claimed that the military men left the office with engineers and drivers, insisting they be forced to restore electricity to their barracks.
At the time of writing this report, the Nigerian Air Force has yet to respond to Neusroom’s email seeking clarification on the allegations.
